Almotriptan 12.5mg tablets

Quantity	1 x 6 tablets, 2 x 6 tablets, 3 x 6 tablets

What is Almotriptan 12.5mg?

Almotriptan is a medication used to treat acute migraine attacks. It belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans, which are specifically designed to relieve migraine symptoms. Almotriptan works by constricting the dilated blood vessels in the brain and balancing certain brain chemicals that contribute to the migraine.

What is the active ingredient in Almotriptan?

The active ingredient contained in Almotriptan is:Almotriptan 12.5 mg (as almotriptan D,L-hydrogen malate).

What is Almotriptan 12.5mg used for?

Almotriptan 12.5 mg is used to provide relief from acute migraine attacks. This medication is part of the triptan class of drugs, which are specifically designed to treat migraines. Almotriptan works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to the narrowing of dilated blood vessels and reducing inflammation, which helps alleviate the migraine symptoms.

Purpose: Almotriptan 12.5 mg is used to treat the symptoms of a migraine once it has started. It helps relieve intense headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Administration: The tablet should be taken at the onset of a migraine attack for optimal effectiveness.
Not for Prevention: Almotriptan 12.5 mg is not intended for the prevention of migraines but is used to manage acute migraine episodes.

If you have any concerns or questions about using Almotriptan, consult with your healthcare provider.

How does Almotriptan 12.5mg work?

Almotriptan 12.5 mg is effective in treating acute migraine attacks due to its action on specific brain receptors. Here’s how it works:

Targeting Serotonin Receptors: Almotriptan is a triptan, a type of medication that targets serotonin receptors in the brain. It specifically acts on 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_1D serotonin receptors.
Narrowing Blood Vessels: By stimulating these receptors, Almotriptan helps to constrict (narrow) the blood vessels in the brain that have become dilated (expanded) during a migraine. This helps reduce the pressure and inflammation associated with the migraine.
Reducing Pain: The narrowing of the blood vessels alleviates the throbbing pain and other symptoms associated with migraines, such as nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity.
Symptom Relief: Almotriptan works best when taken at the onset of a migraine. It helps to relieve the acute symptoms of the migraine but does not prevent future migraine attacks.

If you have any questions about how Almotriptan works or if it's the right treatment for you, consult your healthcare provider.

How do you use Almotriptan 12.5mg?

For adults aged 18 to 65, follow these guidelines for using Almotriptan 12.5 mg:

Initial Dose: Take one 12.5 mg tablet as soon as you begin to experience the symptoms of a migraine attack. Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of water.
Second Dose: If the migraine persists or recurs after two hours, you may take a second 12.5 mg tablet. Do not exceed two tablets within a 24-hour period.
Timing: Almotriptan is most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine attack. However, it can still offer relief if taken later during the migraine episode.
Consultation: If your migraine symptoms do not improve with the medication, contact your doctor for further advice.

Always adhere to the prescribed dosage and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if the medication does not seem to be working.

Who should not take Almotriptan 12.5mg?

Do not take Almotriptan 12.5 mg if you:

Are Allergic: Have a known allergy to almotriptan or any of its ingredients.
Have Certain Heart Conditions: Have a history of heart problems, including heart attack, angina (chest pain), or Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain occurring at rest), or experience symptoms such as chest pressure or shortness of breath.
Have High Blood Pressure: Have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Have Had a Stroke or TIA: Have a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke.
Are Taking Certain Medications: Are currently taking or have recently taken other triptans for migraines, or ergotamine-based medications (such as dihydroergotamine or methysergide).
Have Severe Liver Issues: Have severe liver impairment.
Have Certain Other Medical Conditions: Have been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (a type of abnormal heart rhythm) or have a history of severe liver problems.

If you are unsure whether Almotriptan is suitable for you, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

What are the side effects of Almotriptan 12.5mg?

Almotriptan 12.5 mg, like all medications, may cause side effects. Not everyone experiences these, but common and less common side effects include: Common Side Effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

Dizziness or Light-headedness: You may feel faint or unsteady.
Tiredness: Feeling unusually fatigued or drowsy.
Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up.
Dry Mouth: A lack of moisture in the mouth.
Headache: You may still experience headaches even after taking the medication.
Weakness or Muscle Pain: General muscle discomfort or weakness.

Less Common Side Effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people):

Chest Pain or Pressure: Discomfort or pain in the chest area.
Flushing or Warmth: Feeling unusually warm or flushed.
Increased Blood Pressure: A rise in blood pressure levels.

Rare Side Effects (affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people):

Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Heart Issues: Serious conditions such as heart attack or angina.
Stroke: Symptoms might include sudden numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking.

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or if you have concerns about how Almotriptan is affecting you, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Does Almotriptan 12.5mg interact with any other medicines?

Yes, Almotriptan 12.5 mg can interact with certain other medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Here are some key interactions to be aware of: 1. Other Migraine Medications:

Triptans: Do not take Almotriptan with other triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan) as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Ergotamine and Ergot Derivatives: Avoid using Almotriptan with ergotamine or ergot-type medications (e.g., dihydroergotamine) as this combination may lead to severe side effects.

2. Antidepressants:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Medicines like fluoxetine or sertraline can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Drugs such as venlafaxine or duloxetine may also raise the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with Almotriptan.

3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

MAOIs: Medications like moclobemide can interact with Almotriptan, leading to potential adverse effects. It is advised to avoid this combination.

4. Certain Antibiotics and Antifungals:

Cimetidine: This drug, used for indigestion and stomach ulcers, may affect Almotriptan's metabolism.
Quinolone Antibiotics: Medicines like ciprofloxacin may influence Almotriptan’s effectiveness.

5. Herbal Supplements:

St. John’s Wort: This herbal remedy, often used for depression, can interact with Almotriptan and potentially lead to increased side effects.

If you are taking any of these medications or supplements, or if you have any concerns about potential interactions, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance on managing these interactions safely.

Almotriptan 12.5mg FAQs

What is Almotriptan and what is it used for?

Almotriptan tablets are designed to provide effective relief from migraine attacks. The active ingredient, almotriptan, belongs to the triptan class of medications, which are specifically used to treat migraines by targeting the underlying inflammation and dilation of blood vessels in the brain.

What are migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache that affects approximately 25% of women and 8% of men in the UK. The condition can be partially hereditary, increasing susceptibility if a family member also experiences migraines. Symptoms include:

Nausea
Throbbing pain in the head
Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and smell

Some people experience an aura before a migraine, which may involve visual disturbances such as blurred vision. Migraines can last from a few hours to several days, with residual fatigue often lingering. Common triggers include poor diet, alcohol, caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, and menstruation.

How does Almotriptan work?

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from the widening of blood vessels in the brain. Almotriptan is a serotonin (5HT) agonist that stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to the narrowing of these blood vessels and alleviating migraine pain. Almotriptan is most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine but can also provide relief if taken later during the attack. Triptans, including Almotriptan, are not preventive but can be used alongside other preventive treatments.

What are the alternatives to Almotriptan?

For those who do not respond to Almotriptan or seek other options, several over-the-counter medications may help manage migraine pain and nausea. These include:

Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Migraleve

For more information on available treatments, visit our Advice for Migraines and Pain pages.

What are the warnings for Almotriptan?

Do not use Almotriptan if:

You are allergic to almotriptan or any other ingredients in the medicine.
You have a history of heart attack or stroke.
You have high blood pressure or peripheral vascular disease.
You have liver disease.
You are currently taking other triptan medications or migraine treatments such as ergotamine.

Consult your doctor before using Almotriptan if you:

Are allergic to sulphonamides.
Have kidney disease.
Experience new migraine symptoms.
Are over 65 years old.
Are taking SSRIs or SNRIs.

How should I take Almotriptan?

For adults aged 18 to 65 years: Take one 12.5 mg tablet at the first sign of a migraine attack, swallowing it whole with a sip of water. If needed, you can take a second tablet after two hours if the migraine persists or returns. Do not exceed two tablets within a 24-hour period. Almotriptan works best when taken at the onset of symptoms but can still provide relief if taken later. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve.

What are the ingredients in Almotriptan?

Active Ingredient: Almotriptan 12.5 mg (as almotriptan D,L-hydrogen malate)
Inactive Ingredients: Mannitol (E-421), microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, sodium stearyl fumarate
Coating Material: Hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E-171), Macrogol 400, carnauba wax

What are the side effects of Almotriptan?

Possible side effects of Almotriptan may include:

Nausea
Dizziness
Tiredness

If you experience any of these effects or have concerns about how Almotriptan affects you, stop using the medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist.