Almotriptan

The Basics

What is Almotriptan?

Used to treat acute migraine headaches in adults and teenagers.

Brand names for Almotriptan

Axert

How Almotriptan is classified

Serotonin Agonists, Vasoconstrictor Agents, Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists, Triptans

Almotriptan During Pregnancy

Almotriptan pregnancy category

Category C

Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Almotriptan while pregnant

When almotriptan was administered by oral gavage to pregnant rats throughout the period of organogenesis at doses of 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, an increase in embryolethality was seen at the highest dose (maternal exposure, based on plasma AUC of parent drug, was approximately 958 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended daily dose [MRDD] of 25 mg). Increased incidences of fetal skeletal variations (decreased ossification) were noted at doses greater than 125 mg/kg/day (maternal exposure 80 times human exposure at MRDD). Similar studies in rabbits conducted with almotriptan at doses of 5, 20, and 60 mg/kg/day 13 demonstrated increases in embryolethality at the high dose (50 times the MRDD on a mg/m2 basis). When almotriptan was administered to rats throughout the periods of gestation and lactation at doses of 25, 100, and 400 mg/kg/day, gestation length was increased and litter size and offspring body weight were decreased at the high dose (160 times the MRDD on a mg/m2 basis). The decrease in pup weight persisted throughout lactation. The no-observed-effect level in this study was 100 mg/kg/day (40 times the MRDD on a mg/m2 basis). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, AXERT® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Almotriptan While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Almotriptan?

Because there is no published experience with almotriptan during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because there is no published experience with almotriptan during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Almotriptan on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Almotriptan

Sumatriptan, Eletriptan.