What Is Relpax? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Relpax is the brand name for eletriptan hydrobromide, a prescription medication used for the acute treatment of migraine headaches in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called triptans — the most widely used class of migraine-specific medications in the world.

First approved by the FDA in 2002 and manufactured by Pfizer (Roerig Division), Relpax has since gone off-patent and is now available as generic eletriptan from multiple manufacturers. In comparative clinical studies, eletriptan 40mg has consistently ranked as the most effective oral triptan for migraine pain relief.

What Is Relpax Used For?

Relpax (eletriptan) has one FDA-approved indication:

Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults

It is NOT indicated for:

Prevention of migraines (it treats attacks, not frequency)

Cluster headaches

Tension-type headaches

Hemiplegic or basilar migraine (contraindicated)

Eletriptan relieves the headache pain and associated migraine symptoms including nausea, vomiting, photophobia (light sensitivity), and phonophobia (sound sensitivity). It works best when taken at the first sign of a migraine attack.

What Does Relpax Look Like?

Brand-name Relpax tablets are orange, round, convex, film-coated tablets. They come in two strengths: 20mg and 40mg. Generic eletriptan tablets vary in appearance by manufacturer but are typically film-coated oral tablets in the same strengths.

How to Take Relpax (Eletriptan): Dosing Instructions

Starting dose: 20mg or 40mg orally at the first sign of a migraine attack

Recommended dose: 40mg is the most commonly prescribed starting dose; clinical studies show 40mg is more effective than 20mg for most patients

Maximum single dose: 40mg

Repeat dose: If the migraine returns or is not fully relieved, a second dose may be taken 2 hours after the first dose

Maximum daily dose: 80mg in a 24-hour period

With or without food: Eletriptan can be taken with or without food; food may slightly increase absorption

Important: If your first dose provides no relief at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack — contact your doctor. The second dose is for migraine that partially responds or recurs after initial improvement.

How Quickly Does Relpax Work?

Most patients begin to notice relief within 30–60 minutes of taking a 40mg dose. In clinical trials, 60% of patients achieved meaningful pain relief at 2 hours. The medication reaches peak blood levels approximately 1.5 hours after an oral dose.

Is Relpax a Controlled Substance?

No. Eletriptan is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled under the DEA. It does not have abuse potential and can be prescribed via telehealth without any additional restrictions. Refills can be written as standard prescriptions — no special DEA requirements apply.

Who Should NOT Take Relpax?

Eletriptan is contraindicated if you have ischemic heart disease, prior stroke, hemiplegic or basilar migraine, peripheral vascular disease, or uncontrolled hypertension. It should not be taken within 72 hours of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole or clarithromycin) or within 24 hours of ergot-type drugs or other triptans.

For a deeper dive into how eletriptan works at the molecular level, read how Relpax works. For details on side effects and warning signs, see our guide to Relpax side effects.