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Sumatriptan

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  • Take one dose at the start of a migraine attack. If your migraine is not eased after this first dose, do not take a second dose for the same attack. If your migraine goes away but then returns, you may take a second dose at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.
  • Sumatriptan can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • Important: You may experience sensations of pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. These sensations may be strong but usually do not last long. If they continue or become intense, stop taking sumatriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

About sumatriptan

Type of medicine 5HT1 Agonist
Used for Migraine
Cluster headache (injection only)
Also called Imigran®
Imigran® Subject
Imigran® RADIS
Imigran® Recovery
Available as Tablets, nasal spray and injection

It is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine. Sumatriptan works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. This causes the blood vessels to narrow and relieves the pain felt during a migraine.

Before taking sumatriptan

Before taking sumatriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina or circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease.
  • If you have recently suffered a heart attack, stroke or TIA (sometimes known as a mini-stroke).
  • If you have ever had a seizure.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine (particularly the antibiotics co-trimoxazole or sulfadiazine).
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take sumatriptan

  • Take sumatriptan exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • If you have been supplied the tablets: Take one dose at the beginning of your attack. If your migraine returns, you may take one further dose providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not take the second dose.
  • If you have been supplied the injection: Inject one dose at the beginning of your attack. If your migraine returns, you may use one further dose providing it is at least one hour after the initial dose. Do not administer more than two doses in 24 hours. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not use the second dose.
  • If you have been supplied the nasal spray: Spray one puff into one nostril at the beginning of the attack. If your migraine returns, one further puff can be sprayed into one nostril providing it is at least two hours after your first dose. Do not administer more than two doses in 24 hours. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not administer the second dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not take other migraine treatments as well as sumatriptan. If you have been taking another 5HT1 agonist (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan or zolmitriptan) or ergotamine, you should wait at least 24 hours before taking sumatriptan.
  • If you find that sumatriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.
  • Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside sumatriptan.

Can sumatriptan cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness and drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat or chest If these continue or become intense, stop taking sumatriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible
Feeling tired, shortness of breath, tingling, heaviness, flushing and feeling hot Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these become troublesome

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store sumatriptan

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID: 1491 DocRef: dils2594 Last Reviewed: 15 Dec 2008 Version: 22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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