Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan is a triptan derivative. During a migraine attack, intracranial blood vessels become abnormally dilated. Rizatriptan activates 5-HT1B receptors, which are Gi/o protein-coupled receptors, on intracranial vascular smooth muscle, promoting vasoconstriction and reducing the throbbing pain caused by vasodilation. Rizatriptan also activates 5-HT1D receptors, which are Gi/o protein-coupled receptors, on trigeminal nerve terminals and inhibits the release of inflammatory neuropeptides from these terminals.