Relpax Migraine (Eletriptan Hydrobromide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Relpax Migraine Used For?
Relpax Migraine contains eletriptan hydrobromide and is specifically designed to treat migraine attacks when they occur.
Primary Uses
Relpax Migraine is used to treat migraine attacks. It does not work for other types of headaches that are not migraines and should not be used to prevent migraine attacks from occurring.
How It Works
Relpax Migraine is a serotonin agonist that works by reducing the size of swollen blood vessels around the brain that may be involved in migraine.
Good to know: Relpax Migraine will provide relief even if taken later during a migraine attack, not just at the beginning.
How to Take Relpax Migraine
Always follow the instructions provided by your pharmacist or doctor when taking Relpax Migraine.
Dosage Instructions
Take 1 tablet of Relpax Migraine 40 mg as soon as possible after the start of a migraine attack. If your migraine returns after initial relief, you may take a second tablet, but wait at least 2 hours between doses. Do not take more than 2 tablets (80 mg total) in one day. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water, with or without food. If you have kidney problems, do not take more than 1 tablet per day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Relpax Migraine is taken as needed for migraine attacks, so there is no regular dosing schedule to miss. Take it as soon as possible when a migraine begins.
Important: Do not take a second dose within 2 hours of the first dose. If Relpax Migraine does not relieve your migraine, do not take a second dose for the same attack.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- drowsiness
- flushing
- sweating
- chills and pain
- numbness and tingling
- weakness and lack of energy
- stomach pain or cramps
- dry mouth
- indigestion
- tight or sore throat
- muscle tightness
- spinning sensation
- back pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- chest pain or uncomfortable feeling in chest that may spread to arms or neck
- palpitations
- fast heart beat
- dizziness
- headache not relieved by Relpax Migraine
- nausea and vomiting
- swelling of face, lips, or tongue causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Relpax Migraine should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Relpax Migraine
Do not use if you: have not been previously diagnosed with migraine by a doctor; are allergic to eletriptan hydrobromide or any ingredients; have a headache different from your usual migraine; have severe liver problems; have high blood pressure that is difficult to treat; have or have had heart or blood vessel disease; have taken similar migraine medicines in the last 24 hours; have taken ergotamine medicines within 24 hours; have taken certain antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medicines, or antidepressants within 48 hours.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have: allergies to medicines or other substances; increased risk of heart or blood vessel disease; other health problems including liver or kidney problems; are taking other migraine medicines. Your doctor will check for risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history of heart disease, menopause, or being over 40 (males).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If breastfeeding, you may be advised to stop breast-feeding for 24 hours after taking Relpax Migraine.
Age Restrictions: Do not use in children or adolescents under 18 years. Use with caution in patients over 65 years as blood pressure effects may be more pronounced.
Drug Interactions
Several medicines can interfere with Relpax Migraine and affect how it works, or increase the risk of side effects.
Serotonin Syndrome Risk: Taking certain antidepressants or St John’s Wort with Relpax Migraine may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, causing high blood pressure, fast heart rate, agitation, and sweating.
- SSRI antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine)
- SNRI antidepressants (desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, venlafaxine)
- St John’s Wort herbal remedy
- Antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Antidepressant nefazodone
- HIV medicines (amprenavir, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir)
- Other migraine medicines (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan)
- Ergotamine and related medicines (dihydroergotamine, methysergide)
Alcohol & Driving
Both alcohol and driving require special precautions when using Relpax Migraine.
Alcohol
Migraine sufferers should probably avoid alcoholic drinks, especially during a headache. Alcohol can make headaches worse or may cause new headaches to occur.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that may be dangerous if you become drowsy during a migraine or after taking Relpax Migraine.
Storage
Store Relpax Migraine below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Relpax Migraine, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Serious heart problems may occur after an overdose. Taking too much can also lead to constant headaches. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Relpax Migraine should be taken as soon as possible after the start of a migraine attack, but it will also provide relief if taken later during the attack. The exact timing of relief varies by individual.
Yes, you can take Relpax Migraine tablets with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
Yes, if your migraine returns after initial relief, you may take a second tablet. However, you must wait at least 2 hours between the first and second dose, and do not take more than 2 tablets (80 mg total) in one day.
If Relpax Migraine does not relieve your migraine, do not take a second dose for the same attack. You may take something else for the pain, but avoid medicines containing ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methysergide for at least 24 hours.
Migraine sufferers should probably avoid alcoholic drinks, especially during a headache, as alcohol can make headaches worse or cause new headaches to occur.
No, Relpax Migraine is used to treat migraine attacks when they occur. It should not be used to prevent migraine attacks from happening and will not be effective if taken before you get a headache.
Contact your doctor if your migraine lasts longer than 24 hours, your symptom pattern changes, the headache feels different or worse than usual, or if you experience serious side effects like chest pain, fast heart rate, or swelling of face, lips, or tongue.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.