Sumatriptan

About sumatriptan

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.

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