Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Cafergot

(ergotamine / caffeine)

Get free coupons

Summary for Maxalt

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.

Indications for Maxalt

Pros and Cons for Maxalt

Pros

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.

Common Side Effects for Maxalt

  • Dizziness (4-9%)
  • Sleepiness (4-8%)
  • Tiredness (4-7%)
  • Nausea (4-6%)

Warnings for Maxalt

  • 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

Summary for Cafergot

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 for Cafergot

Pros and Cons for Cafergot

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 for Cafergot

  • Nausea

Warnings for Cafergot

  • Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
  • Fibrosis (scarring)
  • Allergic reaction to yellow dye

Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Cafergot

Price Card Drug Icon
Rizatriptan9 tablets / 10mg
$12.22$41.53
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Ergotamine/Caffeine30 tablets / 1mg/100mg
$112.30$478.73
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Migraine drugs

Emgality vs. MaxaltImitrex vs. MaxaltMaxalt vs. AmergeMaxalt vs. AxertMaxalt vs. Cafergot
Maxalt vs. ErgotamineMaxalt vs. FioricetMaxalt vs. FrovaMaxalt vs. RelpaxMaxalt vs. TreximetMaxalt vs. ZomigReyvow vs. MaxaltAimovig vs. EmgalityAjovy vs. EmgalityElavil vs. ImitrexEmgality vs. FioricetEmgality vs. FrovaEmgality vs. NurtecEmgality vs. Trokendi-xrEmgality vs. UbrelvyEmgality vs. ZomigFiorinal vs. ImitrexImitrex vs. AmergeImitrex vs. AxertImitrex vs. CafergotImitrex vs. DepakoteImitrex vs. DilantinImitrex vs. EffexorImitrex vs. ErgotamineImitrex vs. Keppra

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.