Eletriptan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 11, 2025.

Applies to eletriptan: oral tablet.

Common side effects of eletriptan

Some side effects of eletriptan may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of eletriptan

Along with its needed effects, eletriptan may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking eletriptan:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to eletriptan: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse events have included asthenia, nausea, dizziness, and somnolence.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Chest tightness/pain/pressure, palpitation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypertension, peripheral vascular disorder, tachycardia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angina pectoris, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, AV block, bradycardia, hypotension, syncope, thrombophlebitis, vasospasm, shock
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, coronary artery vasospasm, transient myocardial ischemia
• Frequency not reported: Edema^[Ref]

Transient, dose-related increases in blood pressure (BP) have been observed, particularly in the elderly and among patients with renal impairment, and predominantly increases to diastolic BP. One patients with hepatic cirrhosis experienced a BP of 220/96 mmHg 5 hours after a receiving an 80 mg dose.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain/discomfort/stomach pain/cramps/pressure, dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphagia, throat tightness/difficulty swallowing, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, eructation, esophagitis, flatulence, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorder, glossitis, increased salivation
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Enlarged abdomen, halitosis, gingivitis, hematemesis, stomatitis, tongue disorder, tongue edema, tooth disorder
• Postmarketing reports: Ischemic colitis, vomiting^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, dizziness, somnolence, headache, hypertonia, hyperesthesia, myasthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ataxia, incoordination, speech disorder, stupor, tremor, taste perversion
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abnormal gait, aphasia, dystonia, hemiplegia, hyperalgesia, hypokinesia, neuropathy, paralysis, twitching, parosmia
• Frequency not reported: Serotonin syndrome
• Postmarketing reports: Seizure, cerebrovascular accident^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reactions including angioedema^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Goiter, thyroid adenoma, thyroiditis, breast pain^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anemia, leukopenia, purpura, lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thirst
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Increased appetite, weight gain, weight loss^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, throat tightness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma, dyspnea, respiratory disorder, respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, voice alteration, yawn
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchitis, choking sensation, increased cough, epistaxis, hyperventilation, laryngitis, sinusitis, increased sputum^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sweating
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Face edema, pruritus, rash, skin disorder
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, dry skin, eczema, exfoliative dermatitis, maculopapular rash, psoriasis, skin discoloration, skin hypertrophy, urticaria^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal vision, conjunctivitis, eye pain, lacrimation disorder, photophobia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Oculogyric crisis, dry eyes, eye hemorrhage, ptosis, diplopia, abnormality of accommodation^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, flushing/feeling of warmth, chills, malaise, vertigo
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ear pain, tinnitus
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Fever, hypothermia, otitis media^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Impotence, polyuria, urinary frequency, urinary tract disorder
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Menstrual disorder, menorrhagia, vaginitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, apathy, depersonalization, depression, emotional lability euphoria, insomnia, nervousness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Amnesia, catatonic reaction, hallucinations, manic reaction, hysteria, neurosis, psychotic depression, sleep disorder^[Ref]

Further information

Eletriptan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer