Skip to main content
Medically Approved

Rizatriptan oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

twitter share buttonfacebook share buttonlinkedin share buttonemail article button
Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it's takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe rizatriptan oral tablet for treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults and some children. You take it by mouth once as needed.
Medically reviewed by Bryson Russell, PharmD, MHSA, MSc
Updated on

This article describes rizatriptan oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for rizatriptan. If you want to know more about rizatriptan oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Rizatriptan oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Maxalt. Rizatriptan also comes in dissolving film and tablet forms taken by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.

Form and strengths of rizatriptan

Rizatriptan oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg

Dosage of rizatriptan

This article describes the recommended dosages for rizatriptan oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of rizatriptan oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of rizatriptan in adults

Rizatriptan is prescribed to be taken as needed for migraine with or without aura in adults. Your doctor will prescribe rizatriptan for the shortest duration possible based on your treatment goals.

Dosage for migraine headache

  • Dose: 5 to 10 mg
  • Frequency: as needed at start of migraine (dose may be repeated after 2 hours if migraine does not go away)
  • Maximum dosage: 30 mg over 24 hours

Dosages of rizatriptan in children

Rizatriptan is prescribed as needed for migraine with or without aura in certain children. Dosing in children is based on body weight. Your child’s doctor will prescribe rizatriptan for the shortest duration possible based on the treatment goals for your child.

Body weight in kilograms (kg)Approximate body weight in pounds (lb)*Recommended dosage
less than 40 kgless than 88 lb5 mg, once as needed at start of migraine
40 kg or more88 lb or more10 mg, once as needed at start of migraine

* 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb).

Man on phone in bed

100% online care

Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.

Start consult now

Dosage adjustments for rizatriptan

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of rizatriptan oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have
  • if you’re taking other medications that may interact with rizatriptan, such as propranolol

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about rizatriptan oral tablet and its dosage.

How does the dosage of rizatriptan compare with the dosage of sumatriptan?

Both rizatriptan and sumatriptan are used to treat migraine with or without aura. Sumatriptan is available as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets that you swallow. The recommended dosage varies for each person, ranging from 25 mg to a maximum of 200 mg over 24 hours.

If you have questions about the dosage of rizatriptan compared with that of sumatriptan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is rizatriptan taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe rizatriptan oral tablet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should take rizatriptan oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How rizatriptan is taken

You’ll swallow rizatriptan oral tablet once as needed, based on your migraine symptoms. Rizatriptan can be taken with or without food.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Rizatriptan coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for rizatriptan when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Pill bottle with text 'Starts at $4'

Free prescription coupons

Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.

Get free card

Overdose of rizatriptan

It’s important that you do not take more rizatriptan oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of rizatriptan overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much rizatriptan

If you think you’ve taken too much rizatriptan, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for rizatriptan oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of rizatriptan oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take rizatriptan oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • What is the lowest dosage of rizatriptan I can take to treat a migraine?
  • Will you change my dosage of rizatriptan if I’m also taking propranolol?
  • Will you lower my dosage of rizatriptan if I begin experiencing side effects?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Article resources