home > drugs a-z list > axert (almotriptan malate) drug center > axert (almotriptan malate) drug - overdosage and contraindications

Signs and Symptoms

Patients and volunteers receiving single oral doses of 100 to 150 mg of almotriptan did not experience significant adverse events. Six additional normal volunteers received single oral doses of 200 mg without serious adverse events. During clinical trials with AXERT (almotriptan malate) , one patient ingested 62.5 mg in a 5-hour period and another patient ingested 100 mg in a 38-hour period. Neither patient experienced adverse reactions.

Based on the pharmacology of triptans, hypertension or other more serious cardiovascular symptoms could occur after overdosage.

Recommended Treatment

Gastrointestinal decontamination (i.e., gastric lavage followed by activated charcoal) should be considered in patients suspected of an overdose with AXERT (almotriptan malate) . Clinical and electrocardiographic monitoring should be continued for at least 20 hours, even if clinical symptoms are not observed.

It is unknown what effect hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis has on plasma concentrations of almotriptan.

Ischemic or Vasospastic Coronary Artery Disease or other Significant Underlying Cardiovascular Disease

Do not use AXERT (almotriptan malate) in patients with ischemic heart disease (angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia), or in patients who have symptoms or findings consistent with ischemic heart disease, coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal's variant angina, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Cerebrovascular Syndromes

Do not use AXERT (almotriptan malate) in patients with cerebrovascular syndromes including (but not limited to) stroke of any type as well as transient ischemic attacks [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Do not use AXERT (almotriptan malate) in patients with peripheral vascular disease including (but not limited to) ischemic bowel disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Uncontrolled Hypertension

Because AXERT (almotriptan malate) may increase blood pressure, do not use AXERT (almotriptan malate) in patients with uncontrolled hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Ergotamine-Containing and Ergot-Type Medications

Do not use AXERT (almotriptan malate) and ergotamine-containing or ergot-derived medications like dihydroergotamine, ergotamine tartrate or methysergide within 24 hours of each other [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Concomitant Use With 5-HT1 Agonists (e.g. Triptans)

AXERT (almotriptan malate) and other 5-HT1 agonists (e.g. triptans) should not be administered within 24 hours of each other [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hemiplegic or Basilar Migraine

Do not use AXERT (almotriptan malate) in patients with hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

Hypersensitivity

AXERT (almotriptan malate) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to almotriptan or any of its inactive ingredients.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/29/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.