Almotriptan

Take one dose at the start of a migraine attack. If your migraine is not eased after this first dose, do not take a second dose. If your migraine goes away but then returns, you may take a second dose providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.
Almotriptan can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
You may experience sensations of pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. These sensations may be strong but usually do not last long. If they continue or become intense, stop taking almotriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

About almotriptan

Type of medicine

5HT1 (5-hydroxytryptamine) agonist
It is also sometimes referred to as a 'triptan'

Used for

Treatment of migraine

Also called

Almogran®

Available as

Tablets

It is not clear what causes migraine. It is thought that some chemicals in the brain increase in activity, and as a result parts of the brain then send out confused signals which result in the symptoms of migraine.

It is also not clear why people with migraine should develop these chemical changes and most migraine attacks occur for no apparent reason. In some people however, there may be things which trigger an attack, like certain foods or drinks.

Almotriptan is effective in relieving migraine attacks once an attack has started but it does not help prevent headaches or migraine attacks from starting. It works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. This improves the symptoms felt during a migraine.

Before taking almotriptan

Before taking almotriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from heart problems.
If you have high blood pressure.
If you suffer from liver problems.
If you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina or circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease.
If you have recently suffered a heart attack, stroke or TIA (sometimes known as a mini-stroke).
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. It is especially important that your doctor knows if you have ever had a reaction to a sulphonamide used to treat an infection.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

Note: almotriptan is not suitable for under 18 year-olds.

How to take almotriptan

Before beginning your treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take almotriptan exactly as directed by your doctor. Take one tablet with a drink of water as soon as possible at the beginning of your attack. If your migraine returns, you may take one further tablet providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not take the second dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

Almotriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine or methysergide. If you have been taking an ergotamine preparation to prevent migraine, you must leave a gap of 24 hours before taking almotriptan. A gap of 6 hours after taking almotriptan is also needed before taking any doses of ergotamine. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Almotriptan should not be used in combination with other 5HT1 agonists such as eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan.
If you are having an increasing number of migraines or you find that almotriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Before buying any other medicines, check with your pharmacist which are safe for you to take alongside almotriptan.

Can almotriptan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness, drowsiness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Feelings of tightness or pressure particularly in the throat or chest	These sensations may be strong but usually do not last long. If they continue or become too intense, stop taking almotriptan and speak with your doctor
Tiredness, feeling hot, flushing, tingling and muscle weakness	If troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store almotriptan

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Almogran 12.5 mg Film-coated Tablets, Almirall Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2009, accessed September 2009.
British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

© EMIS 2011 - Author: Helen Allen - Reviewer: Dr Cathy Jackson - Document ID: 3849 - Version: 23 - Reviewed: 5 Oct 2009

For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.

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