Almotriptan
Almotriptan is a triptan medication used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults. It works by selectively binding to serotonin (5-HT) receptors, causing vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels and reducing inflammatory responses that contribute to migraine pain.
Almotriptan is a migraine relief medication that works by targeting serotonin receptors to constrict cranial blood vessels and reduce migraine symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02CC05
- RxNorm
- 279645
- Generic
- Almotriptan
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 12.5mg as single dose
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- may repeat after 2 hours if needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 12.5mg as single dose
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- may repeat after 2 hours if needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus; consider alternative therapies first
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; limit use to acute attacks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
almotriptan is excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for excessive sleepiness or feeding problems
observe infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65start with lower dose
use with caution due to increased cardiovascular risk; consider comorbidities
monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not approved for use in children; safety and efficacy not established
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not recommended
not approved for use in adolescents; limited data available
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderatereduce dose to 6.25mg
use with caution; dose reduction recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min)
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
use with caution; no dose adjustment needed for mild hepatic impairment
monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeavoid use
contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Almotriptan belongs to the triptan class of medications
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for almotriptan
Primary indication
Therapeutic indication for almotriptan
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults aged 18 to 65. Not indicated for migraine prophylaxis or cluster headaches.
Almotriptan binds with high affinity to 5-HT1D, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1F receptors, triggering cranial vasoconstriction and inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators involved in the migraine pathway.
Should be taken at the first sign of migraine onset for optimal effect. Contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or hemiplegic migraine. Do not exceed maximum recommended dose. May interact with other serotonergic medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy