Almotriptan 12.5mg Tablets
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Availability
Fastest delivery available: 06/12/2023
Medication features
Almotriptan is a migraine medication, used to alleviate associated symptoms of headaches, nausea and light sensitivity. Take Almotriptan migraine medication as soon as your migraine occurs in order to effectively tackle symptoms.
This pain-relieving medication works by thinning the brain’s blood vessels and blocking pain receptors associated with migraine headaches.
- Relieves Acute Migraine Symptoms
- Easy Dosing
- Next Day Delivery Available
- Almotriptan is Part of the 'Triptan' Class Of Drug
Overview
What Is Almotriptan and What Is It Used For?
Almotriptan is a migraine treatment that comes in tablet form and belongs to the triptan family of medicines. It is prescribed to adults and teenagers who suffer from acute migraines and is effective in treating migraine headache symptoms including a throbbing or pulsing pain. People may be prescribed almotriptan when migraine headaches have not been relieved by standard painkillers such as paracetamol and aspirin.
The active ingredient of almotriptan is almotriptan malate. Each tablet contains 12.5 mg of almotriptan malate. Almotriptan is used specifically to treat migraine headaches, rather than prevent them. Almotriptan is not a treatment for cluster headaches.
How Does Almotriptan Work?
Almotriptan is a selective receptor agonist which works by reducing the inflammatory response related to migraines. It does this by binding to the serotonin receptors in the brain’s blood vessels, causing the vessels to narrow. It is thought that Almotriptan may also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain.
By reducing inflammation and relieving pain, almotriptan can reduce symptoms of migraine headaches with or without aura (aura refers to sensory disturbances such as blind spots and flashes of light). Almotriptan doesn’t prevent the symptoms of migraine headaches, and can only treat symptoms when they appear.
Almotriptan Warnings
Almotriptan is not recommended for children and adolescents under the age of 18. The medicine may be unsuitable for you if you currently have or have a history of:
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Uncontrolled mild to moderate hypertension
- A blood vessel disorder or another circulation problem
- Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
- Transient ischaemic attack (mini stroke)
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Liver disease
There are several potential interactions of almotriptan. You shouldn’t use another migraine medicine – including any others in the triptan class (e.g. eletriptan or rizatriptan) or ergot medicine (e.g. ergotamine or dihydroergotamine) – within 24 hours of taking almotriptan or 24 hours before you take almotriptan.
You should also tell your doctor if you are currently using, or have used any of the following types of medicine in the last 14 days:
- Medicine to treat depression
- Medicine to prevent sickness or nausea
- Medicine for a psychiatric disorder
- Any narcotic medications
- Ritonavir (an HIV treatment)
- MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant)
- Antifungal medicine
Almotriptan and Alcohol
You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking almotriptan. This is because using alcohol with certain medicines may cause interactions and make you more likely to experience potential side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Almotriptan vs Sumatriptan
Like almotriptan, sumatriptan treats the symptoms of migraines. The two drugs are both in the triptan class of medicines. Almotriptan and sumatriptan are both selective receptor agonists which work by binding to the serotonin receptors in the blood vessels of the brain. This action reduces the inflammatory response to migraines and causes the blood vessels to narrow, relieving the throbbing pain that comes with migraine attacks.
While almotriptan is only available in tablet form, sumatriptan is also available in a nasal spray and can be administered as a subcutaneous or needleless subcutaneous injection, as well as a breath-powered intranasal delivery system. Sumatriptan comes in 50 mg or 100 mg tablets, whereas almotriptan is only available in 12.5 mg tablets. Both almotriptan and sumatriptan are only available on prescription in the UK – you cannot buy these migraine medicines over the counter.
According to research, almotriptan and sumatriptan are similarly effective in treating the symptoms of migraine headaches. A study entitled ‘Comparison of the Cost-Effectiveness of Almotriptan and Sumatriptan in the Treatment of Acute Migraine’ observed that “direct comparative trials of sumatriptan and almotriptan have shown that these agents have similar efficacy for relieving migraine pain”.
Almotriptan vs Naratriptan
Naratriptan is another triptan drug which is a treatment for migraine headache symptoms. Both almotriptan and naratriptan are selective receptor agonists which bind to the serotonin receptors of the brain’s blood vessels. The two drugs both work by reducing the inflammatory response to migraines, narrowing the blood vessels and relieving the throbbing pain associated with migraine attacks.
Almotriptan and naratriptan are both only available in tablet form. While almotriptan is available solely in 12.5 mg tablets, naratriptan is available in a choice of 1 mg or 2.5 mg tablets. Both almotriptan and naratriptan can only be bought with a prescription in the UK – you cannot purchase these migraine medicines over the counter.
A significant difference between almotriptan and naratriptan is how quickly the two medicines work. Because almotriptan has a faster onset of action and higher potency, it tends to have a higher 24-hour migraine recurrence, and there could also be a higher potential for side effects. Compared to almotriptan, naratriptan has a slower onset of action and lower potency. This means there may be a lower 24-hour migraine recurrence because naratriptan’s duration of action is longer. For the same reason, you may be less likely to experience side effects from naratriptan.
Almotriptan Reviews
Online reviewers have remarked on the way that almotriptan tablets are effective in relieving migraine headache symptoms without making them drowsy. Some users commented that after they had tried multiple other medicines for migraine headaches, almotriptan was the first one that worked. Reports suggest that for many users, almotriptan takes from one to two hours to relieve migraine headache symptoms.
Among the side effects commonly cited by users are drowsiness, especially at night, and nausea.
Can You Buy Almotriptan Over the Counter?
Almotriptan tablets are not available over the counter in the UK. To buy almotriptan, your suitability for the medicine must be assessed by a doctor. Once you have a prescription for almotriptan, you can purchase the tablets online, or from your local high street or supermarket pharmacy.
With Cloud Pharmacy’s online service, you can buy almotriptan quickly and conveniently from our website. After completing a quick consultation, our online pharmacists can provide you with an electronic prescription and dispense your almotriptan tablets. Your medicine will be enclosed in a discreet package and sent via our next-day delivery service.
Directions
Almotriptan Dosage
Almotriptan tablets come in 12.5 mg doses. The usual dosage amount for an adult is one 12.5 mg tablet. You should take a tablet as soon as you notice the signs of a migraine attack. If your migraine headache symptoms have not subsided, or have returned, after two hours, you can take a second tablet. You should not take more than two tablets in a period of 24 hours.
If you don’t get the chance to take almotriptan when a migraine attack begins, it should also provide relief if you take the medicine once a migraine episode is underway. If you forget to take an almotriptan tablet at the start of a migraine attack, never take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
How to Take Almotriptan
Almotriptan tablets should be taken at the onset of symptoms. As soon as you notice signs of a migraine headache, you should take one tablet. Almotriptan tablets are swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. You should never, split, crush or chew almotriptan tablets.
You should start to feel relief from your migraine symptoms an hour or two after taking almotriptan tablets. If your symptoms haven’t subsided, you can take another tablet, but never exceed two per day.
Side Effects
Almotriptan Side Effects
Not everyone will experience side effects from almotriptan tablets, but among the most common potential side effects of almotriptan – which may affect up to one in ten people – are:
- Dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Uncommon potential side effects – which may affect up to one in 100 people – include:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Heart palpitations
- A tingling or prickling sensation in the skin
- Numbness in the skin
- Tinnitus (a ringing, squealing, roaring or clicking in the ears)
- Muscle pain
- Tight throat
- Asthenia (feeling weak)
- Dyspepsia (making digesting food uncomfortable)
- Diarrhoea
- Bone pain
- Chest pain
If you experience any of these side effects, report them to your doctor or pharmacist.
Severe side effects from almotriptan are very rare. If you notice any signs of:
- A heart attack
- Coronary vasospasm (spasm of the heart vessels)
- Increased heart rate
- An allergic reaction
- Visual impairment
- Seizure
You should call 999 immediately.
Patient Information Leaflet
Almotriptan 12.5mg tablets Patient Information Leaflet
For more information on almotriptan, take a look at the patient information leaflet below:
FAQs
What is A Migraine?
Migraines generally start as a dull ache and then develop into a throbbing and pulsating constant pain that you will likely feel at the temples as well as the front or back of both sides of your head. The pain usually comes with bouts of nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and sound. Prior to a migraine attack, some people will experience something called an aura (about 25% of people who suffer from migraines).
What Causes Migraines?
The cause of mingraines is stilll somewhat ambiguous however it is believed to be caused by a chemical reaction in the brain which leads to constriction of certain vessels, triggering the headache. There is thought to be both environmental and genetic factors which influence who gets migraine as well as susceptibility to migraine attacks.
How Do I Treat Migraines?
Migraines can be treated using a variety of techniques, however unfortunately, there is no cure for migraines. The most common way to deal with migraines is to use a particular class of medcations known as triptans. Triptans are used to treat the acute migraine symptoms. However there are some prophylactic/preventative treatments that can be take for the treatment of migraine such as propranolo and topiramate.
What is A Migraine Aura?
Around 20-25% of people who suffer from Migraine will likely have an aura prior to the migraine itself. An aura can be described as varying intensities of certain neurological symptoms that act as a 'warning sign' to tell you that you are about to have a migraine. An aura can manifest as you seeing wavy or jagged lines, dots or flashing lights- this often described as a chemical or electrical wave that moves accross the visual cortex. Auras can also lead to you having tunnel vision or blind spots in one or both eyes. There are other symptoms associated with a migraine aura such as auditory/visual hallucinations, changes in small (phantom smells), numbness, pins and needles or speech disturbances.
Can The Weather Affect Migraines?
For some people, weather changes can cause an imbalance in neurotransmitters and chmicals in the brain such a sereotning (5-HT), which can lead to more frequent migraines. Bright sunshine as well as hot and humid conditions may lead to your migraines being triggered. Some studies have shown that low barometric pressure can act as a trigger for migraines for some people.
What is A Migraine Trigger?
Migraine triggers vary person to person; something that affects one person may not affect the other. Surveys, diary studies and clinical trials have inidicated that stress, menstrual cycle changes, weather changes, sleep disturbances, alcohol, and other foods are among the most common factors mentioned when it comes to triggering a migraine. To help prevent migraines it is important to keep a diary of when you have a migraine attack. This allows for you to pin-point what may be causing your migraine and therefore drastically reducing your chance of getting a migraine.
Am I More Likely to Get A Stroke if I Suffer From Migraine?
Migraines are generally considered a relatively benign neurological condition. However, research has shown an association between migraines and stroke, and especially between migraine with aura and ischaemic stroke. Patients can also suffer from migrainous infarction (blood clot), a subset of ischaemic stroke that often occurs in the posterior circulation of younger women. The exact origina of migrainous associated infarction is not known, but it is theorised that the duration and local neuronal energy level from cortical spreading depression may be a prime factor.
Is There A Link Between Hormonal Changes and Migraine?
Horomones are proteins that are responsible for the regulation and overall biochemical function of our body to allow for complete balance and homeostasis as your environment changes. If you have a hormonal imbalance in your body during menopause, pregnancy or mestruation it can lead to a migraine attack.
What Medications Can Be Used to Treat The Acute Symptoms of Migraine?
Acute medications are used to treat the pain of the headache after the migraine has started. Examples of acute migraine medications are some NSAIDS (ibuprofen/diclofenac/naproxen), ergots (ergotamine) and triptans (sumatriptan/rizrtriptan/zolmitriptan)
How Can I learn More About Migraines?
There are a variety of resources available to learn about migraines online. We have summarised the most reliable sources on our cloud pharmacy blog: Migraines: More Than Just A Headache
Reviews
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