Almotriptan

About Almotriptan

This belongs to the group of medicines known as 5-HT1 agonists.

Almotriptan is used to treat migraine attacks.

Research has shown that migraine can be caused by the swelling of blood vessels around the brain. Almotriptan eases the pain associated with migraine by narrowing these blood vessels

Almotriptan is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Almogran. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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, liver, kidney or blood pressure problems
• if you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina, circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease or if you have recently suffered a heart attack or stroke
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking a type of antibiotic called sulphonamides
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Almotriptan

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take one dose, as directed by your doctor, as soon as you feel a migraine starting. If your migraine returns, one further dose can be taken at least two hours after the first dose. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not take the second dose. No more than two doses to be taken in 24 hours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Almotriptan contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Almotriptan.
• Almotriptan can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs, which could be dangerous, if you were not fully alert.
• Almotriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine. If you have been taking an ergotamine preparation you must leave a gap of 24 hours before taking Almotriptan. A gap of 6 hours after taking Almotriptan is also needed before taking ergotamine. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Almotriptan.

Can Almotriptan cause problems?

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

Flushing (redness in the face), dizziness, feeling of weakness, tiredness, pins and needles, diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, dry mouth, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, indigestion, drowsiness, buzzing in the ears, muscle pain, bone pain.

Important: You may also experience sensations of tingling, heat, heaviness, pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. If this sensation becomes too intense, stop taking Almotriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, not mentioned in this leaflet, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Almotriptan

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 20/01/2005