Sumatriptan is utilized for treating migraines, alleviating headache, pain, and associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light/sound.
Swift treatment aids in returning to normal routines and may reduce the reliance on other pain medications.
Belongs to the class of drugs known as triptans, influencing serotonin to alleviate the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain and affecting certain brain nerves to relieve pain.
Sumatriptan does not prevent future migraines or reduce their frequency.
Dosage and administration
Read the Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist before starting sumatriptan and with each refill. Direct any questions to your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the medication by mouth with or without food at the first sign of a migraine, following your doctor’s instructions.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and treatment response.
If symptoms persist or only partly relieve, you may take another dose at least two hours after the first, not exceeding 200 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
Sumatriptan may be used as a backup for sumatriptan injection; if symptoms return, take a dose by mouth at least two hours after the injection, up to 100 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
If at a higher risk for heart problems, your doctor may conduct a heart exam before starting sumatriptan or have you take the first dose in the office/clinic to monitor for serious side effects.
Using migraine drugs on 10 or more days monthly may worsen headaches (medication overuse headache). Do not exceed prescribed usage; inform your doctor if needing to use the medication more often, if it’s less effective, or if headaches worsen.
Side effects
Possible side effects of sumatriptan may include flushing, tingling, numbness, prickling, heat, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Inform your doctor promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
The medication is prescribed based on the doctor’s judgment that benefits outweigh risks, and many users do not experience serious side effects.
Regularly monitor blood pressure, as sumatriptan may raise it; inform the doctor if results are high.
Contact your doctor immediately for serious side effects like blue fingers/toes/nails, cold hands/feet, hearing changes, or mental/mood changes.
Sumatriptan may cause chest/jaw/neck tightness, which is usually not serious but resembles heart attack symptoms. Seek immediate medical help for serious side effects such as fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, seizure, or signs of a stroke.
Sumatriptan may increase serotonin, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome. Get medical help if you experience symptoms like fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle twitching, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction is rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Not a complete list of possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for other observed effects.
Precautions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to sumatriptan or other substances; inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
Disclose your medical history, especially blood circulation problems, certain types of headaches, heart problems, liver disease, seizure, stroke, or transient ischemic attack.
Conditions increasing the risk of heart problems should be communicated to your doctor, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease, being overweight, smoking, postmenopausal status (women), or age over 40 (men).
Sumatriptan may cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcohol or marijuana, as they can intensify these effects. Refrain from activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely.
Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products in use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
Age-related increases in the risk of heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure may make older adults more sensitive to side effects, particularly increased blood pressure and heart problems.
Use during pregnancy should only occur when necessary; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
The drug passes into breast milk in small amounts; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional information
Brand Name:
Imitrex
Scientific Name:
Sumatriptan, Sumatriptan Succinate
Other Names:
Imigran, Sumatriptan, Suminat
Strength(s):
25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Quantities Available:
6, 12, 30, 36
Formulation:
Tablet
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Imitrex
Sumatriptan
