Nurtec ODT is a prescription drug that’s prescribed for migraine. The drug comes as a tablet that you dissolve on or under your tongue. How often you take Nurtec ODT depends on whether you’re taking it to treat or help prevent migraine episodes.

Nurtec ODT is used in adults for:

  • immediate treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura
  • prevention of migraine episodes

The active ingredient in Nurtec ODT is rimegepant. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Nurtec ODT belongs to a group of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists.

This article describes the dosage of Nurtec ODT, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Nurtec ODT, see this in-depth article.

This section covers common dosage and administration information for Nurtec ODT. Before taking this medication, your doctor will go over instructions specific to your condition.

What is Nurtec ODT’s form?

Nurtec ODT comes as a tablet that you dissolve on or under your tongue.

What strength does Nurtec ODT come in?

Nurtec ODT tablets come in one strength: 75 milligrams (mg).

What is the typical dosage of Nurtec ODT?

Your Nurtec ODT migraine dosage and administration may vary based on certain factors. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for migraine treatment

The recommended dosage for immediate treatment of migraine episodes is 75 mg once daily as needed.

The maximum dose of Nurtec ODT is 75 mg in a 24-hour period. You should not take more than 18 Nurtec ODT doses per month, since doctors don’t know if doing so is safe.

Dosage for prevention of migraine episodes

The recommended dosing for prevention of migraine episodes is 75 mg every other day.

Is Nurtec ODT prescribed long term?

Possibly. Nurtec ODT can be prescribed as a long-term treatment. This applies whether you take it daily to help prevent migraine episodes or on an as-needed basis to treat migraine episodes.

If you and your doctor determine that Nurtec ODT is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may adjust your dosage if you take certain medications along with Nurtec ODT. Talk with them about all the medications you take before starting Nurtec ODT treatment.

The dosage of Nurtec ODT you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • whether you’re taking Nurtec ODT to help prevent or treat migraine episodes
  • other medications you’re taking (see “Dosage adjustments” directly above)

Nurtec ODT comes as a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue. You don’t need water or liquid to take Nurtec ODT.

The following instructions for taking this medication can help you get the full effect of the drug:

  1. Wash your hands and dry them fully before opening the blister pack.
  2. Peel back the covering of one blister and immediately remove the tablet. (Do not push it through the foil.)
  3. Place the tablet on or under your tongue as soon as you remove it from the blister pack.
  4. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth, then swallow your saliva. You do not need to take it with any liquid, and you should not swallow the tablet before it dissolves.
  5. Keep Nurtec ODT tablets in the blister pack until you’re ready to take them. Do not store the tablets outside of the blister pack to take later.

For information on Nurtec ODT expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

Taking Nurtec ODT to treat migraine headaches

Place one tablet on or under your tongue as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine episode. Let the tablet dissolve, then swallow it. You can repeat this dose in 24 hours if needed.

Certain drugs may increase the amount of Nurtec ODT in your body. If you take medications that increase Nurtec ODT levels, wait at least 48 hours between Nurtec ODT doses. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if any drugs you take interact with Nurtec ODT and which dosage is safe. (For more about drugs that may affect the dosage of Nurtec ODT, see the “Ask a pharmacist” section below.)

It’s not known if it’s safe to take more than 18 Nurtec ODT doses in a 30-day period.

Taking Nurtec ODT to help prevent migraine episodes

Dissolve one tablet on or under your tongue once every other day.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print or use braille
  • feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you miss a dose while taking Nurtec ODT every other day to help prevent migraine episodes, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up (take two doses at once) to make up for the next dose. If you have questions about what to do after missing a dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Nurtec ODT on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Nurtec ODT than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Doctors don’t know if it’s safe to take more than 18 doses in a 30-day period. If you’re taking Nurtec ODT as needed, keep track of your doses so you don’t take more than is safe.

What to do in case you take too much Nurtec ODT

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Nurtec ODT. You can also call to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the typical dosage provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Nurtec ODT for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Nurtec ODT without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Nurtec ODT exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Can I take a second dose of Nurtec ODT on the same day if my migraine symptoms don’t lessen?
  • Can I take Nurtec ODT regularly instead of as needed if my migraine headaches occur frequently?
  • Will you change my dosage of Nurtec ODT if I have kidney problems?

To learn more about Nurtec ODT, see these articles:

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Q:

Which kinds of medications can affect my Nurtec ODT dosage?

Anonymous

A:

Your body uses certain enzymes (proteins that aid chemical changes in your body) to break down Nurtec ODT. Other drugs can affect how these enzymes work and change how much active Nurtec ODT is in your body.

Some medications can increase Nurtec ODT levels in your body so much that it’s recommended you do not take Nurtec ODT with them. These include:

Other medications can decrease Nurtec ODT levels in your body, making it much less effective. These include:

  • certain HIV medications, such as those containing etravirine (Intelence) or efavirenz (Atripla, Sustiva, Symfi)
  • certain prostate cancer medications, such as apalutamide and enzalutamide
  • certain seizure medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), and phenobarbital (Sezaby)

If you take any of these medications, it’s unlikely your doctor will prescribe Nurtec ODT for you. Talk with them if you have any questions.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.