The Basics
What is Rizatriptan?
Used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound and light).
Brand names for Rizatriptan
Maxalt
How Rizatriptan is classified
Serotonin Agonists, Vasoconstrictor Agents, Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists, Triptans
Rizatriptan During Pregnancy
Rizatriptan pregnancy category
Category CNote 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 Rizatriptan while pregnant
Available human data on the use of MAXALT in pregnant women are not sufficient to draw conclusions about drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal studies, developmental toxicity was observed following oral administration of rizatriptan during pregnancy (decreased fetal body weight in rats) or throughout pregnancy and lactation (increased mortality, decreased body weight, and neurobehavioral impairment in rat offspring) at maternal plasma exposures greater than that expected at therapeutic doses in humans [see Animal Data]. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The reported rate of major birth defects among deliveries to women with migraine range from 2.2% to 2.9% and the reported rate of miscarriage was 17%, which are similar to rates reported in women without migraine.
Taking Rizatriptan While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Rizatriptan?
Because there is no published experience with rizatriptan 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 rizatriptan during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Rizatriptan on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Rizatriptan
Sumatriptan, Eletriptan.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
