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Rizatriptan Benzoate: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Rizatriptan Benzoate is a serotonin-1b and serotonin-1d receptor agonist sold in the U.S. under 4 brand and generic names, for migraine disorders. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesUpdated Jul 24, 2026How we research

Key facts

Drug class
Serotonin-1b and Serotonin-1d Receptor Agonist
Treats (across its forms)
Migraine Disorders
Available as
Tablet · Tablet, orally disintegrating · Film
Sold as
4 products — Maxalt, Maxalt-Mlt and Rizatriptan Benzoate, and others
Prescription?
Prescription only
Generic available?
Yes
Half-life
about 2 to 3 hours

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How Maxalt is dosed

From the FDA label for Maxalt (application NDA020864). Other rizatriptan benzoate products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Although rizatriptan benzoate 5 mg tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are available in the marketplace, MAXALT Tablets and MAXALT-MLT Orally Disintegrating Tablets are no longer marketed in the 5 mg strength. Adults: 5 or 10 mg single dose; separate repeat doses by at least two hours; maximum dose in a 24-hour period: 30 mg ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients 6 to 17 years: 5 mg single dose in patients less than 40 kg (88 lb); 10 mg single dose in patients 40 kg (88 lb) or more ( 2.2 ) Adjust dose if co-administered with propranolol ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Dosing Information in Adults The recommended starting dose of rizatriptan benzoate is either 5 mg or 10 mg for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The 10-mg dose may provide a greater effect than the 5-mg dose, but may have a greater risk of adverse reactions [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Redosing in Adults Although the effectiveness of a second dose or subsequent doses has not been established in placebo-controlled trials, if the migraine headache returns, a second dose may be administered 2 hours after the first dose. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 mg in any 24-hour period. The safety of treating, on average, more than four headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. 2.2 Dosing Information in Pediatric Patients (Age 6 to 17 Years) Dosing in pediatric patients is based on the patient's body weight. The…

Everything below is the FDA label for Maxalt (tablet). Rizatriptan Benzoate is also sold as tablet, orally disintegrating and film, and those are different medicines to take — follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Maxalt side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Myocardial Ischemia, Myocardial Infarction, and Prinzmetal's Angina [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Chest, Throat, Neck and/or Jaw Pain/Tightness/Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Cerebrovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Other Vasospasm Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Medication Overuse Headache [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Increase in Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . The most common adverse reactions in adults were (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo): asthenia/fatigue, somnolence, pain/pressure sensation and dizziness ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials Adverse reactions to MAXALT were assessed in…

Who shouldn’t take Maxalt

MAXALT is contraindicated in patients with: Ischemic coronary artery disease (angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia), or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Coronary artery vasospasm including Prinzmetal's angina [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Ischemic bowel disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . Recent use (i.e., within 24 hours) of another 5-HT 1 agonist, ergotamine-containing medication, or ergot-type medication (such as dihydroergotamine or methysergide) [see Drug Interactions (7.2 and 7.3) ] . Hemiplegic or basilar migraine [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . Concurrent administration or recent discontinuation (i.e., within 2 weeks) of a MAO-A inhibitor [see Drug Interactions (7.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Hypersensitivity to rizatriptan or any of the excipients (angioedema and anaphylaxis seen) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . History of ischemic heart disease or coronary artery vasospasm ( 4 ) History of stroke or transient ischemic attack ( 4 ) Peripheral vascular disease ( 4 ) Ischemic bowel disease ( 4 ) Uncontrolled hypertension ( 4 ) Recent (within 24 hours) use of another 5-HT 1 agonist (e.g., another triptan), or of an ergotamine-containing medication ( 4 ) Hemiplegic or basilar migraine ( 4 ) MAO-A inhibitor used in the past 2 weeks ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to rizatriptan or any of the excipients ( 4 )

Maxalt drug interactions

7.1 Propranolol The dose of MAXALT should be adjusted in propranolol-treated patients, as propranolol has been shown to increase the plasma AUC of rizatriptan by 70% [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Ergot-Containing Drugs Ergot-containing drugs have been reported to cause prolonged vasospastic reactions. Because these effects may be additive, use of ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (like dihydroergotamine or methysergide) and MAXALT within 24 hours is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.3 Other 5-HT 1 Agonists Because their vasospastic effects may be additive, co-administration of MAXALT and other 5-HT 1 agonists within 24 hours of each other is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.4 SSRIs/SNRIs and Serotonin Syndrome Cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported during co-administration of triptans and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . 7.5 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors MAXALT is contraindicated in patients taking MAO-A inhibitors and non-selective MAO inhibitors. A specific MAO-A inhibitor increased the systemic exposure of rizatriptan and its metabolite [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Drug Interactions [See also Drug Interactions (7) .] Monoamine oxidase inhibitors : Rizatriptan is principally metabolized via monoamine oxidase, 'A' subtype (MAO-A). Plasma concentrations of rizatriptan may be increased by drugs that are selective MAO-A inhibitors (e.g., moclobemide) or nonselective MAO inhibitors [type A and B] (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and pargyline). In a drug interaction study, when MAXALT 10 mg was administered to subjects (n=12) receiving concomitant therapy with the selective, reversible MAO-A inhibitor, moclobemide 150 mg t.i.d., there were mean increases in rizatriptan AUC and C max of 119% and 41% respectively; and the AUC of the active N-monodesmethyl metabolite of rizatriptan was increased more than 400%. The interaction would be expected to be greater with irreversible MAO inhibitors. No pharmacokinetic interaction is anticipated in patients receiving selective MAO-B inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.5) ] . Propranolol : In a study of concurrent administration of propranolol 240 mg/day and a single dose of rizatriptan 10 mg in healthy adult subjects (n=11), mean plasma AUC for rizatriptan was increased by 70% during propranolol administration, and a four-fold increase was observed in one subject. The AUC of the active N-monodesmethyl metabolite of rizatriptan was not affected by propranolol [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Nadolol/Metoprolol : In a drug interactions study, effects of multiple doses of nadolol 80 mg or metoprolol 100 mg every 12 hours on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of 10 mg rizatriptan were evaluated in healthy subjects (n=12). No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed. Paroxetine : In a study of the interaction between the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine 20 mg/day for two weeks and a single dose of MAXALT 10 mg in healthy subjects (n=12), neither the plasma concentrations of rizatriptan nor its safety profile were affected by paroxetine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) , Drug Interactions (7.4) , and Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . Oral contraceptives : In a study of concurrent administration of an oral contraceptive during 6 days of administration of MAXALT (10-30 mg/day) in healthy female volunteers (n=18), rizatriptan did not affect plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone.

Every rizatriptan benzoate product we track (4)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Rizatriptan Benzoate products
#DrugRatingPharmacy pays
170/100View →
270/100View →
366/100View →
4Not yet ratedView →

What rizatriptan benzoate pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Rizatriptan Benzoate pill imprints
ImprintStrengthColourShape
RZ55 mgwhiterectangle
RIZA1010 mgwhiterectangle
L5910 mgwhiteround
IG;4625 mgpinkoval
X;1410 mgpinkround
CL3410 mgpinkcapsule
414;C5 mgpinkcapsule
X;1410 mgpinkround

Combination products containing rizatriptan benzoate

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Rizatriptan Benzoate recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

How long rizatriptan benzoate keeps

No rizatriptan benzoate label we read sets a separate limit for after opening, but they do specify how it must be stored — and the stability behind any date assumes those conditions.

Does rizatriptan benzoate expire? The in-use limits and storage rules from its labels

What people report to the FDA about rizatriptan benzoate

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 1,725 reports naming rizatriptan benzoate, and the FDA flagged 61% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:

  • headache249 reports
  • migraine242 reports
  • nausea229 reports
  • drug intolerance155 reports
  • hypersensitivity147 reports
  • fatigue144 reports
  • diarrhoea108 reports
  • swelling face108 reports

Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean rizatriptan benzoate caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label section above.

Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved July 26, 2026.

How long rizatriptan benzoate stays in your system

The elimination half-life of rizatriptan benzoate is about 2 to 3 hours. The label states the plasma half-life of rizatriptan averages 2-3 hours in both males and females. Rizatriptan has one active metabolite, N-monodesmethyl-rizatriptan, but it does not outlast the parent drug: plasma levels are only about 14% of the parent's and the label says it "is eliminated at a similar rate," so it does not meaningfully extend how long the drug stays in the body. Half-life is not restated for special populations, but exposure (AUC) shifts: it was unchanged in mild-to-moderate renal impairment (CrCl 10-60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and about 44% higher in hemodialysis patients (CrCl <2 mL/min/1.73 m2); it was similar in mild hepatic impairment and about 30% higher in moderate hepatic impairment from alcoholic cirrhosis. Pharmacokinetics in healthy adults aged 65-77 were similar to those in adults aged 18-45, so age alone does not change it. AUC is about 30% higher in females than males. There is no extended-release rizatriptan; MAXALT-MLT orally disintegrating tablets have similar bioavailability and peak levels to regular tablets, only slower absorption (Tmax delayed). Two interactions raise exposure sharply: propranolol increased rizatriptan AUC by 70%, and an MAO-A inhibitor increased rizatriptan AUC 119% and the active metabolite's AUC by more than 400%.

MAXALT (rizatriptan benzoate) tablets / MAXALT-MLT orally disintegrating tablets — FDA prescribing information, Clinical Pharmacology (Pharmacokinetics)

Half-life is how long the body takes to clear half a dose. It is not the same as how long a drug test can detect it, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.

Related calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is Maxalt?

Maxalt (Rizatriptan Benzoate) is a serotonin-1b and serotonin-1d receptor agonist used to treat Migraine Disorders.

What kind of drug is rizatriptan benzoate?

The FDA classifies rizatriptan benzoate as a serotonin-1b and serotonin-1d receptor agonist. These migraine drugs (triptans) switch on serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors: they tighten the dilated blood vessels around the brain and quiet the trigeminal nerve pathway, blocking the release of pain-signaling molecules that drive a migraine attack. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

How long does rizatriptan benzoate stay in your system?

The elimination half-life of rizatriptan benzoate is about 2 to 3 hours — that is how long the body takes to clear half of a dose. The label states the plasma half-life of rizatriptan averages 2-3 hours in both males and females. Rizatriptan has one active metabolite, N-monodesmethyl-rizatriptan, but it does not outlast the parent drug: plasma levels are only about 14% of the parent's and the label says it "is eliminated at a similar rate," so it does not meaningfully extend how long the drug stays in the body. Half-life is not restated for special populations, but exposure (AUC) shifts: it was unchanged in mild-to-moderate renal impairment (CrCl 10-60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and about 44% higher in hemodialysis patients (CrCl <2 mL/min/1.73 m2); it was similar in mild hepatic impairment and about 30% higher in moderate hepatic impairment from alcoholic cirrhosis. Pharmacokinetics in healthy adults aged 65-77 were similar to those in adults aged 18-45, so age alone does not change it. AUC is about 30% higher in females than males. There is no extended-release rizatriptan; MAXALT-MLT orally disintegrating tablets have similar bioavailability and peak levels to regular tablets, only slower absorption (Tmax delayed). Two interactions raise exposure sharply: propranolol increased rizatriptan AUC by 70%, and an MAO-A inhibitor increased rizatriptan AUC 119% and the active metabolite's AUC by more than 400%. Half-life is not the same as how long a drug test can detect the drug, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.

Can you take rizatriptan benzoate with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run rizatriptan benzoate against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is rizatriptan benzoate sold under?

We track 4 rizatriptan benzoate-containing products in the U.S.: Maxalt, Maxalt-Mlt, Rizatriptan Benzoate and Rizafilm. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does rizatriptan benzoate come in?

Across the brands we track, rizatriptan benzoate is currently marketed as tablet, tablet, orally disintegrating and film, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic rizatriptan benzoate?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic rizatriptan benzoate product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has rizatriptan benzoate been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists at least 5 recall records whose product description mentions rizatriptan benzoate. The most recent: Rizatriptan Benzoate Tablets (Jul 9, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Cite this page
APA
pharmaranks. (2026, July 24). Rizatriptan Benzoate: uses, dosing, side effects & brands. https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/rizatriptan-benzoate
MLA
“Rizatriptan Benzoate: uses, dosing, side effects & brands.” pharmaranks, 24 July 2026, https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/rizatriptan-benzoate.

We summarise public FDA and NIH sources — for a clinical claim, cite the primary source we link to as well.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.

Read the full FDA label for rizatriptan benzoate on DailyMed (NIH) ↗.