Serotonin receptor agonist (Triptan)
Eletriptan hydrobromide (brand name RELPAX) is a prescription tablet used to treat the sudden onset of migraine headaches in adults. It works by acting on specific serotonin receptors to shrink swollen blood vessels in the brain and stop the release of inflammatory substances. It should not be used to prevent migraines or to treat cluster headaches.
How it worksEletriptan hydrobromide works by binding to serotonin receptors (5-HT 1B, 1D, and 1F). This action constricts blood vessels in the head and prevents the release of chemicals that cause migraine pain.
Brand names:RELPAX
How to take
The standard single dose is 20 mg or 40 mg. If the migraine does not go away or comes back, you may take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first. Do not take more than 80 mg in a 24-hour period.
Do not use this medication to prevent migraines. It is only for treating a migraine once it has started.
Key warnings
- ·Eletriptan hydrobromide may cause serious heart-related issues like heart attack or chest pain, even in people without a history of heart disease.
- ·Stop use and contact a doctor immediately if you experience heart rhythm changes, stroke symptoms, or signs of serotonin syndrome.
- ·Using this drug too often can lead to medication overuse headaches.
Do not use if
- ·History of coronary artery disease or heart spasms
- ·Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or other heart conduction disorders
- ·History of stroke or transient ischemic attack
- ·Peripheral vascular disease or ischemic bowel disease
- ·Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- ·Known hypersensitivity to eletriptan hydrobromide
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Heart attack or chest pain
- ·Heart rhythm problems
- ·Stroke or brain bleeding
- ·Severe allergic reactions (swelling or difficulty breathing)
- ·Serotonin syndrome (when taken with certain antidepressants)
- ·High blood pressure
- ·Gastrointestinal issues
Seek help if
- ·Chest, throat, neck, or jaw pain
- ·Signs of a stroke
- ·Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- ·Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face/throat
Interactions
- ·Do not use within 24 hours of other 5-HT 1 agonists or ergot-type medications (like dihydroergotamine).
- ·Do not use within 72 hours of taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole or ritonavir.
- ·Taking this with certain antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or MAOIs) may cause serotonin syndrome.
Special populations
PregnancyHuman data is limited, but animal studies showed risks to fetal development. The benefits of use should be weighed against potential risks to the baby.
BreastfeedingEletriptan is passed into breast milk. To minimize baby's exposure, avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after taking the medication.
PediatricSafety and effectiveness in children and adolescents have not been established.
GeriatricIn older adults, this medication may increase blood pressure more than in younger people.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Blood pressure
- ·Heart rhythm
- ·Frequency of migraine attacks
Questions to ask
- ·Is my migraine diagnosis confirmed before starting Eletripan?
- ·Do I have any underlying heart conditions that make this unsafe?
- ·How will this interact with my current antidepressant?
- ·Should I avoid certain foods while taking this medication?
Pharmacokinetics
Practical
OverdoseIf an overdose occurs, monitor the patient for at least 20 hours. There is no specific antidote.
Ingredients
Allergens
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.
