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Data updated: May 26, 2026

MAXALT-MLT (rizatriptan benzoate)

CNS Approved 1998-06-29

MAXALT-MLT (rizatriptan benzoate) is a serotonin (5-HT) 1B/1D receptor agonist indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. The medication is approved for use in both adults and pediatric patients between the ages of 6 and 17 years. It is intended specifically for the treatment of active migraine attacks rather than the prevention of future episodes. Use of this therapy requires a confirmed diagnosis of migraine and is not indicated for cluster headaches or certain specific types of migraine, such as hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

Source: FDA Label • Merck

How MAXALT-MLT Works

Rizatriptan functions by binding with high affinity to human cloned 5-HT 1B/1D receptors. The drug is believed to exert its therapeutic effects by acting on these receptors located on intracranial blood vessels and sensory nerves of the trigeminal system. By activating these specific serotonin receptors, the medication helps manage the symptoms associated with acute migraine attacks.

5
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
1
Priority Reviews
27
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1998-06-29
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, ORALLY DISINTEGRATING

Companies

Active Ingredient: RIZATRIPTAN BENZOATE

MAXALT-MLT Approval History

1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
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2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
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2011
2012
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2014
2015
2016
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2018
2019
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2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
38 FDA actions from 1998 to 2019 · 2 indication expansions
Oct 2019 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
May 2014 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Dec 2011 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What MAXALT-MLT Treats

1 indications

MAXALT-MLT is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1998. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Migraine
Source: FDA Label

MAXALT-MLT Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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Clinical Trial Registry

3 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT06473597 2023-12-20 Ph 4 recruiting A Comparison of Nurtec ODT to Maxalt MLT-ODT in Adult ED Patients With Migraine Headache
NCT00812006 results posted 0462-085 2008_597 Ph 3 completed A Study of Rizatriptan for the Treatment of Acute Migraine in Patients on Topiramate for Migraine Prophylaxis
NCT01004263 results posted 0462-086 2009_680 Ph 3 completed A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Rizatriptan for Long Term Treatment of Acute Migraine in Children and Adolescents (MK-0462-086 AM3)
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

MAXALT-MLT FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

MAXALT-MLT is indicated for the treatment of Migraine.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.