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Almotriptan malate

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2023 | Last updated: May 2023

Almotriptan malate is a prescription drug that is used to treat:1

  • Acute migraine attacks in adults who have a history of migraine with or without aura
  • Acute migraine headache pain in children ages 12 to 17 who have a history of migraine with or without aura, and who have migraine attacks that last 4 or more hours when not treated

Almotriptan malate belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. Triptans are most effective if taken at the start of a migraine. Almotriptan malate should not be used to prevent migraine attacks or treat hemiplegic migraine.1

Overuse of acute migraine drugs like almotriptan malate can cause medication overuse headaches. Talk to your doctor if you experience more migraine symptoms while taking almotriptan malate.1

Almotriptan malate was previously sold under the brand name Axert®.

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How does almotriptan malate work?

Almotriptan malate works by binding with 5-HT1B/1D receptors on blood vessels in the brain. This process narrows the blood vessels in the brainstem. It also reduces the inflammatory substances in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of almotriptan malate in adults include:1

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Tingling or burning feeling

The most common side effects of almotriptan malate in children include:1

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Headache
  • Tingling or burning feeling
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

These are not all the possible side effects of almotriptan malate. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking almotriptan malate. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking almotriptan malate.

Other things to know

Before starting treatment with almotriptan malate, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • A history of smoking
  • Heart problems or a family history of heart problems or stroke
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • An allergy to sulfa (sulfonamide)
  • Gone through menopause

There is not enough data to know if almotriptan malate is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting treatment with almotriptan malate, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can help you decide if almotriptan malate is right for you.1

Almotriptan malate may interact with other medicines and cause unwanted side effects. Before starting treatment with almotriptan malate, tell your doctor if you take:1

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Medicines used to treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
  • Medicines to treat HIV/AIDs, such as ritonavir

Almotriptan malate may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and vision problems. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how almotriptan malate affects you.1

Before beginning treatment for migraine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Axert.