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Compare Maxalt vs. Cafergot

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and ergotamine/caffeine (Cafergot) are both used to treat migraines, but they work differently and have different forms. Rizatriptan is a triptan that works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and is available as an oral tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). It's suitable for children ages 6 and older. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. On the other hand, ergotamine/caffeine is a combination of an ergot derivative and caffeine, which also tightens blood vessels and calms the brain. It comes as a tablet and a rectal suppository, but the brand name Cafergot is discontinued. This medication is only for adults and can cause nausea, vomiting, and numbness. Ergotamine/caffeine should not be used during pregnancy, while the safety of rizatriptan during pregnancy is unknown. Both medications have restrictions on how often they can be taken due to side effects. Both medications require a prescription and are not controlled substances.

  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

  • Summary of Maxalt vs. Cafergot

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

    Summary for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Prescription only

    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

  • Indications of Maxalt vs. Cafergot

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

  • Pros and Cons of Maxalt vs. Cafergot

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can be used by children ages 6 years and older
    •Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Is short-acting, so it might not last as long
    •Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    Pros and Const for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Pros
    •Suppository is a good option for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    •Tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can start to feel relief after a half hour (for the tablets) or an hour (for the suppository); and you may take an additional dose if no relief
    Cons
    •Not for daily or long-term use
    •Can't take while pregnant
    •Not safe for use for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Rectal suppository is brand name only and requires refrigeration

  • Common Side Effects of Maxalt vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Maxalt vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Allergic reaction to yellow dye

  • Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Cafergot

    Learn more about Rizatriptan
    Learn more about Cafergot

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