How Almotriptan works
After ingestion, almotriptan reaches the brain via the blood. There it binds to the docking sites (5-HT1 receptors) of the body’s own hormone serotonin on blood vessels and nerve cells. It activates very specific serotonin docking sites and is therefore a so-called selective serotonin receptor agonist.
In this way, almotriptan counteracts two mechanisms that are likely to underlie migraine.
- It constricts blood vessels that are dilated in migraine.
Absorption, breakdown and excretion
After ingestion, almotriptan passes rapidly and in large quantity (up to seventy percent) into the blood through the gastrointestinal tract. Pain relief begins after about 30 minutes.
The body excretes almotriptan mainly through the kidneys and to a lesser extent through the stool. About three to four hours after ingestion, half the amount of active ingredient has been eliminated.
Side effects associated with the use of almotriptan are less common than with some other members of the same drug class.
The most common side effects of almotriptan include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Occasionally, headache, muscle pain, and skeletal pain are possible.
About one percent of patients experience digestive problems: Affected individuals have dry mouth, a “nervous stomach” with heartburn, or diarrhea.
If your symptoms are very severe, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or sweating, do not take another dose of Almotriptan. Contact a doctor immediately for clarification of symptoms.
Tingling or numb feeling on the skin are sensory disturbances. They are also side effects of almotriptan, but usually go away on their own after a short time.
Follow the package leaflet of your almotriptan preparation. If you notice side effects, it is best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
When is almotriptan used?
Almotriptan treats the headache of an acute migraine attack with or without aura. It is not intended to prevent a migraine attack. Almotriptan is currently approved for adults only.
Take almotriptan only if a doctor has safely diagnosed your headache as a migraine.
How to take almotriptan
Patients are best advised to take almotriptan as soon as possible, immediately after migraine headaches have started. The active ingredient is available in tablet form with the usual single dose of 12.5 milligrams. Patients swallow the almotriptan tablets independently of meals, for example with a glass of water.
If the headache does not improve after the first tablet, it may not be a migraine. In this case, do not take a second tablet, but try other painkillers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about this.
When should almotriptan not be taken?
Medicines containing almotriptan should not be used in:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of the medicine.
- coronary heart disease (CHD)
- occlusion of the large arteries of the arms or legs (peripheral arterial occlusive disease – pAVK)
- past myocardial infarction
- past stroke or short-term reduced blood flow to the brain
- concomitant use of other medicines for the treatment of migraine (ergotamines, ergotamine derivatives or other triptans)
- severe liver dysfunction
Almotriptan has a similar structure to sulfonamides. This group of active ingredients includes, for example, antibiotics for urinary tract infections (sulfamethoxazole). If people are allergic to such sulfonamides, they may also be allergic to almotriptan. Almotriptan is therefore not suitable for them.
These interactions may occur with almotriptan
Food supplements or medicines containing St. John’s wort make undesirable side effects more likely. Therefore, inform your doctor or pharmacist also if you take herbal medicines.
Almotriptan during pregnancy and breastfeeding
According to animal studies, almotriptan passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should therefore use the active substance only in exceptional cases and after consulting a doctor. It is best if they do not breastfeed again until at least 24 hours after taking the drug.
How to obtain medication with almotriptan
Almotriptan is available without prescription in German pharmacies in a dosage of 12.5 milligrams per tablet and a package size of two tablets. Larger packs are only available on prescription.
