Naratriptan Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 11, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 1 mg; 2.5 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine

Use only after a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established

Initial dose: 1 mg or 2.5 mg orally, once

Provided there has been some response to first dose, a second dose may be administered at least 4 hours later if migraine returns or symptoms recur.

Maximum dose: 5 mg in a 24-hour period

Comments:

This drug should not be used to treat basilar or hemiplegic migraines because these patients are at a greater risk of stroke.
The safety of treating an average of 4 or more migraine attacks in a 30-day period has not been established.

Use: For the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura.

Severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 15 mL/min): Use is contraindicated
Mild to moderate renal impairment:

Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh grade C): Use is contraindicated
Mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh grade A or B):

Elderly: Dose selection should be cautious, consider starting at the lower end of the dosing range.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Data not available

Administration advice:

General:

This drug should be used only where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established; if a patient does not respond, the diagnosis of migraine should be reconsidered before treating subsequent attacks.
This drug is not intended to treat cluster headaches, hemiplegic, or basilar migraines or for the prophylactic treatment of migraines.
For patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, a cardiovascular evaluation should be performed prior to initiating therapy; for patients who have satisfactorily completed a cardiovascular evaluation, consider administering first dose in a medically supervised setting and performing an ECG immediately following administration.
Medication overuse headaches may present as migraine-like headaches or as a marked increase in migraine frequency; for patients using acute migraine medications (e.g. ergotamine, triptans, opioids) for 10 or more days per month consider withdrawal of the overused drugs and treatment of withdrawal symptoms.

Monitoring:

ECG monitoring should be considered in the interval following the first dose in patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) who have satisfactorily completed a cardiovascular evaluation, consider periodic cardiovascular evaluation in intermittent long-term users with cardiovascular risk factors.
Monitor blood pressure
Monitor for serotonin syndrome if concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are necessary, particularly when starting therapy or with a new or increased dose of a serotonergic medication.

Patient advice:

Patients should be advised to talk with their doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications or supplements.
Patients should be aware of the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects and the importance of seeking medical advice promptly if they occur.
Patients experiencing no relief from a first dose of this medication should be instructed not to take a second dose without first talking to their healthcare provider.
Patients should be informed of the possibility of developing medication overuse headaches.
This drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; have patient avoid driving or operating machinery until adverse effects are determined.
Advise patient to speak to physician or health care professional if pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.