Rizatriptan Benzoate
Brand names: Rizatriptan Benzoate, rizatriptan benzoate, RIZATRIPTAN BENZOATE, MAXALT, RIZAFILM, Rizatriptan benzoate, MAXALT-MLT
Boxed warning
BOXED WARNING
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myocardial Ischemia, Myocardial Infarction, and Prinzmetal's angina: Perform cardiac evaluation in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors ( 5.1 ) Arrhythmias: Discontinue dosing if occurs ( 5.2 ) Chest/throat/neck/jaw pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness; Generally not associated with myocardial ischemia; Evaluate patients at high risk ( 5.3 ) Cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke: Discontinue dosing if occurs ( 5.4 ) Gastrointestinal ischemic events, peripheral vasospastic reactions: Discontinue dosing if occurs ( 5.5 ) Medication Overuse headache: Detoxification may be necessary ( 5.6 ) Serotonin Syndrome: Discontinue dosing if occurs ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Myocardial Ischemia, Myocardial Infarction, and Prinzmetal's Angina Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets should not be given to patients with ischemic or vasospastic coronary artery disease. There have been rare reports of serious cardiac adverse reactions, including acute myocardial infarction, occurring within a few hours following administration of Rizatriptan Benzoate. Some of these reactions occurred in patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD). 5-HT 1 agonists including Rizatriptan Benzoate may cause coronary artery vasospasm (Prinzmetal's Angina), even in patients without a history of CAD. Triptan-naïve patients who have multiple cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., increased age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, strong family history of CAD) should have a cardiovascular evaluation prior to receiving Rizatriptan Benzoate. If there is evidence of CAD or coronary artery vasospasm, Rizatriptan Benzoate should not be administered [see Contraindications (4) ] . For patients who have a negative cardiovascular evaluation, consideration should be given to administration of the first Rizatriptan benzoate dose in a medically-supervised setting and performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) immediately following Rizatriptan benzoate administration. Periodic cardiovascular evaluation should be considered in intermittent long-term users of Rizatriptan benzoate who have cardiovascular risk factors. 5.2 Arrhythmias Life threatening disturbances of cardiac rhythm, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation leading to death, have been reported within a few hours following the administration of 5-HT 1 agonists. Discontinue Rizatriptan benzoate if these disturbances occur. 5.3 Chest, Throat, Neck and/or Jaw Pain / Tightness / Pressure As with other 5-HT 1 agonists, sensations of tightness, pain, pressure, and heaviness in the precordium, throat, neck and jaw commonly occur after treatment with Rizatriptan benzoate and are usually non-cardiac in origin. However, if a cardiac origin is suspected, patients should be evaluated. Patients shown to have CAD and those with Prinzmetal's variant angina should not receive 5-HT 1 agonists. 5.4 Cerebrovascular Events Cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke have occurred in patients treated with 5-HT 1 agonists, and some have resulted in fatalities. In a number of cases, it appears possible that the cerebrovascular events were primary, the 5-HT 1 agonist having been administered in the incorrect belief that the symptoms experienced were a consequence of migraine, when they were not. Also, patients with migraine may be at increased risk of certain cerebrovascular events (e.g., stroke, hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack). Discontinue Rizatriptan benzoate if a cerebrovascular event occurs. As with other acute migraine therapies, before treating headaches in patients not previously diagnosed as migraineurs, and in migraineurs who present with atypical symptoms, care should be taken to exclude other potentially serious neurological conditions. Rizatriptan benzoate should not be administered to patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack [see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.5 Other Vasospasm Reactions 5-HT 1 agonists, including Rizatriptan benzoate, may cause non-coronary vasospastic reactions, such as peripheral vascular ischemia, gastrointestinal vascular ischemia and infarction (presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea), splenic infarction, and Raynaud's syndrome. In patients who experience symptoms or signs suggestive of non-coronary vasospasm reaction following the use of any 5-HT 1 agonist, the suspected vasospasm reaction should be ruled out before receiving additional Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets doses. Reports of transient and permanent blindness and significant partial vision loss have been reported with the use of 5-HT 1 agonists. Since visual disorders may be part of a migraine attack, a causal relationship between these events and the use of 5-HT 1 agonists have not been clearly established. 5.6 Medication Overuse Headache Overuse of acute migraine drugs (e.g., ergotamine, triptans, opioids, or a combination of drugs for 10 or more days per month) may lead to exacerbation of headache (medication overuse headache). Medication overuse headache may present as migraine-like daily headaches, or as a marked increase in frequency of migraine attacks. Detoxification of patients, including withdrawal of the overused drugs, and treatment of withdrawal symptoms (which often includes a transient worsening of headache) may be necessary. 5.7 Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin syndrome may occur with triptans, including Rizatriptan benzoate particularly during co-administration with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and MAO inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.5) ] . Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination) and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The onset of symptoms can occur within minutes to hours of receiving a new or a greater dose of a serotonergic medication. Rizatriptan benzoate treatment should be discontinued if serotonin syndrome is suspected [see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ]. 5.8 Increase in Blood Pressure Significant elevation in blood pressure, including hypertensive crisis with acute impairment of organ systems, has been reported on rare occasions in patients with and without a history of hypertension receiving 5-HT 1 agonists, including Rizatriptan benzoate. In healthy young adult male and female patients who received maximal doses of Rizatriptan benzoate (10 mg every 2 hours for 3 doses), slight increases in blood pressure (approximately 2-3 mmHg) were observed. Rizatriptan benzoate is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension [see Contraindications (4) ] .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Rizatriptan Benzoate is contraindicated in patients with: Ischemic coronary artery disease (angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia), or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Coronary artery vasospasm including Prinzmetal's angina [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Ischemic bowel disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . Recent use (i.e., within 24 hours) of another 5-HT 1 agonist, ergotamine-containing medication, or ergot-type medication (such as dihydroergotamine or methysergide) [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 and 7.3 )] . Hemiplegic or basilar migraine [see Interactions and Usage (1) ]. Concurrent administration or recent discontinuation (i.e., within 2 weeks) of a MAO-A inhibitor [see Drug Interactions (7.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Hypersensitivity to rizatriptan benzoate or any of the excipients (angioedema and anaphylaxis seen) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Hypersensitivity to rizatriptan benzoate ( 4 ) History of stroke or transient ischemic attack ( 4 ) Peripheral vascular disease ( 4 ) Ischemic bowel disease ( 4 ) Uncontrolled hypertension ( 4 ) Recent (within 24 hours) use of another 5-HT 1 agonist (e.g., another triptan), or of an ergotamine-containing medication ( 4 ) Hemiplegic or basilar migraine ( 4 ) MAO-A inhibitor used in the past 2 weeks ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to rizatriptan or any of the excipients ( 4 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE No overdoses of Rizatriptan benzoate were reported during clinical trials in adults. Some adult patients who received 40 mg of Rizatriptan benzoate either a single dose or as two doses with a 2-hour interdose interval had dizziness and somnolence. In a clinical pharmacology study in which 12 adult subjects received Rizatriptan benzoate at total cumulative doses of 80 mg (given within four hours), two of the subjects experienced syncope, dizziness, bradycardia including third degree AV block, vomiting, and/or incontinence. In the long-term, open label study, involving 606 treated pediatric migraineurs 12 to 17 years of age (of which 432 were treated for at least 12 months), 151 patients (25%) took two 10 mg doses of Rizatriptan benzoate within a 24-hour period. Adverse reactions for 3 of these patients included abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and dyspnea. In addition, based on the pharmacology of rizatriptan benzoate hypertension or myocardial ischemia could occur after overdosage. Gastrointestinal decontamination, (i.e., gastric lavage followed by activated charcoal) should be considered in patients suspected of an overdose with Rizatriptan benzoate. Clinical and electrocardiographic monitoring should be continued for at least 12 hours, even if clinical symptoms are not observed. The effects of hemo- or peritoneal dialysis on serum concentrations of rizatriptan are unknown.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Propranolol The dose of Rizatriptan benzoate should be adjusted in propranolol-treated patients, as propranolol has been shown to increase the plasma AUC of rizatriptan by 70% [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Ergot Containing Drugs Ergot-containing drugs have been reported to cause prolonged vasospastic reactions. Because these effects may be additive, use of ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (like dihydroergotamine or methysergide) and Rizatriptan benzoate within 24 hours is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.3 Agonists Because their vasospastic effects may be additive, coadministration of rizatriptan benzoate and other 5-HT 1 agonists within 24 hours of each other is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.4 SSRIs SNRIs and Serotonin Syndrome Cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported during coadministration of triptans and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . 7.5 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Rizatriptan benzoate is contraindicated in patients taking MAO-A inhibitors and non-selective MAO inhibitors. A specific MAO-A inhibitor increased the systemic exposure of rizatriptan and its metabolite [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets are indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years old. Limitations of Use Rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established. If a patient has no response for the first migraine attack treated with rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, USP, the diagnosis of migraine should be reconsidered before rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, USP are administered to treat any subsequent attacks. Rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets are not indicated for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine [see Contraindications (4) ] . Rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets are not indicated for the prevention of migraine attacks. Safety and effectiveness of Rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets have not been established for cluster headache. Rizatriptan benzoate is a serotonin (5-HT) 1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan) indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age ( 1 ) Limitations of Use : Use only after clear diagnosis of migraine has been established ( 1 ) Not indicated for the prophylactic therapy of migraine ( 1 ) Not indicated for the treatment of cluster headache ( 1 )
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults: 5 or 10 mg single dose; separate repeat doses by at least two hours; maximum dose in a 24-hour period: 30 mg ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years: 5 mg single dose in patients less than 40 kg (88 lb); 10 mg single dose in patients 40 kg (88 lb) or more ( 2.2 ) Adjust dose if coadministered with propranolol ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Dosing Information in Adults The recommended starting dose of rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets is either 5 mg or 10 mg for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The 10-mg dose may provide a greater effect than the 5-mg dose, but may have a greater risk of adverse reactions [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Redosing in Adults Although the effectiveness of a second dose or subsequent doses has not been established in placebo-controlled trials, if the migraine headache returns, a second dose may be administered 2 hours after the first dose. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 mg in any 24-hour period. The safety of treating, on average, more than four headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. 2.2 Dosing Information in Pediatric Patients (Age 6 to 17 Years) Dosing in pediatric patients is based on the patient's body weight. The recommended dose of rizatriptan benzoate is 5 mg in patients weighing less than 40 kg (88 lb), and 10 mg in patients weighing 40 kg (88 lb) or more. The efficacy and safety of treatment with more than one dose of rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, USP within 24 hours in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age have not been established. 2.3 Administration of Rizatriptan Benzoate Orally Disintegrating Tablets USP For rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, USP, administration with liquid is not necessary. Orally disintegrating tablets are packaged in a blister within an outer carton and patients should not remove the blister from the outer carton until just prior to dosing. The blister pack should then be peeled open with dry hands and the orally disintegrating tablet placed on the tongue, where it will dissolve and be swallowed with the saliva. 2.4 Dosage Adjustment for Patients on Propranolol Adult Patients In adult patients taking propranolol, only the 5 mg dose of Rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, USP are recommended, up to a maximum of 3 doses in any 24-hour period (15 mg) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Pediatric Patients For pediatric patients weighing ≥40 kg (88 lb), taking propranolol, only a single 5 mg dose of rizatriptan benzoate tablets, USP is recommended (maximum dose of 5 mg in a 24-hour period). Rizatriptan benzoate orally disintegrating tablets, should not be prescribed to propranolol-treated pediatric patients who weigh less than 40 kg (88 lb) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].