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Relpax (eletriptan hydrobromide)

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: April 2023

Relpax® (eletriptan hydrobromide) is a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan) indicated for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults who have a clear migraine diagnosis.1

Relpax works to reduce acute symptoms of migraine attacks that have already begun. It should not be used to prevent the onset of migraine or to treat hemiplegic or basilar migraine.1

Overuse of acute migraine drugs can cause medication overuse headaches. Overuse is considered dosing on 10 or more days per month for 3 months or longer. Symptoms of overuse may need to be treated separately, and detoxification from migraine medicines may be required.1

What are the ingredients in Relpax?

The active ingredient in Relpax is eletriptan hydrobromide.1

How does Relpax work?

Relpax works by binding with 5-HT1B/1D receptors on blood vessels in the brain. It narrows the blood vessels surrounding the brain, which reduces migraine symptoms. It also reduces inflammatory substances in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms. Relpax works best if it is taken as soon as migraine symptoms appear.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Relpax include:1

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness

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

Other things to know

Before starting treatment with Relpax, tell your doctor if you:1

  • Have heart problems or a family history of heart problems or stroke
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have diabetes
  • Smoke
  • Are overweight
  • Have gone through menopause
  • Have kidney problems
  • Have liver problems
  • Take antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Relpax can cause dizziness, weakness, and tiredness. If you have these symptoms, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.1

There is not enough data to know if Relpax is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Relpax, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.1

Relpax can interact with certain medicines. 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.1

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

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