Rizact is a prescription medication specifically formulated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. It belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin receptor agonists (triptans), which work by narrowing blood vessels around the brain and reducing substances in the body that can trigger migraine pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound. This product card provides a comprehensive, expert-level overview of Rizact, detailing its mechanism, appropriate usage, and essential safety information to guide both healthcare professionals and informed patients. It is not intended to replace direct medical advice from a qualified physician.

Features

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Rizatriptan Benzoate (5 mg or 10 mg per orally disintegrating tablet or standard tablet)
• Pharmacologic Class: Selective 5-HT1B/1D (serotonin) receptor agonist
• Formulation: Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT) and standard film-coated tablets
• Rapid-Disintegration Technology (ODT): Dissolves on the tongue without the need for water
• Rapid Absorption: Designed for fast onset of action to address acute migraine symptoms
• Bioavailability: Approximately 45%
• Time to Peak Plasma Concentration (Tmax): 1-1.5 hours for tablets, 1.5-2.5 hours for ODT
• Half-life (T½): Approximately 2-3 hours
• Excretion: Primarily via urine (82%) as metabolites

Benefits

• Rapid and Effective Pain Relief: Targets the complex pathophysiology of a migraine attack to significantly reduce moderate to severe headache pain within 2 hours for many patients.
• Addresses Associated Migraine Symptoms: Effectively alleviates debilitating migraine-associated symptoms, including nausea, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), helping patients return to normal function.
• Convenient and Discreet Administration: The orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulation offers a practical solution for medication intake anytime, anywhere, even in the absence of water, which is particularly beneficial during nausea.
• Established Efficacy and Safety Profile: As a well-researched triptan, Rizatriptan has a demonstrated history of efficacy and a predictable safety profile when used as prescribed in appropriate patient populations.
• Functional Restoration: By aborting or significantly reducing the intensity of a migraine attack, it helps restore a patient’s ability to work, socialize, and perform daily activities, reducing the overall burden of the disease.

Common use

Rizact is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. It is specifically used after the headache phase of a migraine has begun; it is not intended for the prophylaxis (prevention) of migraines or for the treatment of cluster headaches. It is most effective when taken early during a migraine attack, although it can be taken at any time. It is designed to treat an active migraine attack but does not reduce the number of attacks experienced.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dose is either 5 mg or 10 mg. For most patients, the recommended initial dose is 10 mg. A 5 mg dose may be suitable for patients who experience significant side effects or those on concomitant propranolol.

• Administration: Take a single tablet as soon as the migraine headache pain begins. If the headache returns, a second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours have passed since the first dose. Do not exceed 30 mg in any 24-hour period.
• Standard Tablets: Should be taken with liquid (water).
• Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT): Peel open the blister pack with dry hands. Place the tablet on the tongue, where it will dissolve rapidly and be swallowed with saliva. No liquid is needed.
• Important: Do not crush or split the ODT formulation.

Precautions

• Cardiovascular Evaluation: Prior to prescribing Rizact, a cardiovascular evaluation should be considered for patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease (e.g., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, obesity, diabetes, strong family history, postmenopausal women, males over 40) to rule out unrecognized coronary disease.
• Chest/Throat/Jaw Pain: Patients may experience pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, or jaw. While often non-cardiac, it is imperative to evaluate for coronary artery disease if such symptoms occur.
• Cerebrovascular Events: Rarely, triptans have been associated with cerebrovascular events (e.g., stroke, hemorrhage). Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of stroke or TIA.
• Serotonin Syndrome: There is a potential risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs).
• Medication Overuse Headache: Overuse of acute migraine treatments (e.g., >10 days per month) may lead to medication-overuse headache. Monitor patient headache frequency.
• Phenylketonuria: The ODT formulation contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine (approximately 1.1 mg per 5 mg tablet and 2.2 mg per 10 mg tablet). It is not recommended for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Contraindications

Rizact is contraindicated in patients with:

• Ischemic heart disease (e.g., angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, documented silent ischemia)
• Coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal’s angina
• History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• History of hemiplegic or basilar migraine
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Hypersensitivity (allergy) to rizatriptan or any component of the formulation
• Concurrent administration or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAO-A inhibitors
• Within 24 hours of administration of another 5-HT1 agonist (e.g., another triptan) or ergotamine-type medication (e.g., dihydroergotamine, methysergide)

Possible side effect

Like all medications, Rizact can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Very Common (≥1/10) and Common (≥1/100 to <1/10):

• Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue
• Nausea, dry mouth
• Pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, throat, or jaw (often transient)
• Palpitations, tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Flushing, feeling of warmth Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100) and Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000):
• Myocardial ischemia, angina
• Hypertension, hypotension
• Syncope (fainting)
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Paresthesia (tingling sensation), hypoesthesia (numbness)
• Serotonin syndrome (rare)

Drug interaction

• Propranolol: Concomitant use increases rizatriptan plasma concentration. The dose of Rizact should be reduced to 5 mg, with a maximum of 15 mg in 24 hours.
• MAO-A Inhibitors: Contraindicated. MAO-A inhibitors significantly increase systemic exposure to rizatriptan.
• Other Triptans and Ergot Derivatives: Contraindicated within 24 hours of each other due to additive vasoconstrictive effects.
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs: Concomitant use may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor patients closely.
• Other 5-HT1 Agonists: Avoid concomitant use.

Missed dose

Rizact is taken on an as-needed basis to treat an acute migraine attack. It is not scheduled for daily use, so the concept of a “missed dose” does not apply. Do not take a dose to make up for a migraine that was not treated.

Overdose

Overdose may lead to an exaggeration of the drug’s known effects, including severe dizziness, drowsiness, syncope, tachycardia, hypertension, and possibly coronary vasospasm. There is no specific antidote. In cases of suspected overdose, the patient must discontinue the medication and seek immediate medical attention. Treatment should consist of supportive measures, including continuous ECG monitoring for at least 20 hours, and management of vital signs as required.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
• Standard Tablets: Keep in the original blister package to protect from light and moisture.
• Orally Disintegrating Tablets: Keep the blister package sealed within the foil pouch until the moment of use to protect from moisture. Handle the ODT with dry hands.
• Keep all medications out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of unused medication via a official medicine take-back program.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The content provided reflects information available at the time of writing and may not encompass all possible uses, directions, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects.

Reviews

• “As a neurologist with over 20 years of practice, rizatriptan remains a first-line cornerstone in my acute migraine toolkit. Its rapid onset and the availability of an ODT formulation provide flexibility and reliable efficacy for a significant portion of my patient population.” – Dr. E. Vance, MD, Neurology
• “The 10mg tablet has been a game-changer for managing my migraines. I appreciate that I can take the ODT even when I’m feeling nauseous and without needing to find water. Relief typically starts within 45-60 minutes for me.” – S. Miller, Patient
• “From a pharmacological standpoint, rizatriptan’s selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile offer a favorable balance of efficacy and a manageable side effect profile, making it a rational choice for many patients experiencing acute migraine attacks.” – Clinical Pharmacist Review
• “I’ve tried several triptans, and Rizact (rizatriptan) works the fastest for me. The chest tightness side effect was noticeable with the first dose but was much less pronounced with subsequent uses and is a trade-off I’m willing to make for the relief it provides.” – J. Torres, Patient