Sumatriptan

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Imigran (tabs/injection/nasal spray), Migrex, Triptam

Drug group:

Drug for migraine

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Sumatriptan is used in the treatment of:

• Migraine (with or without aura) – for acute migraine attacks that are not responding to analgesics (such as aspirin and paracetamol)
• Cluster headache (a form of migraine) – also for acute attacks

How should it be used?

• Sumatriptan should be taken as soon as the migraine starts - although it will still be of value if taken further into the attack
• Sumatriptan is not meant to be taken regularly to prevent migraine attacks
• Ergotamine must be taken at least 6 hours after sumatriptan, and sumatriptan must be taken at least 24 hours after ergotamine

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets: 50–100mg per attack, maximum of 300mg in 24 hours if another attack occurs; do not take a second dose for the same attack, or within 2 hours if the migraine recurs
• Injection: 6mg per attack, maximum of 12mg in 24 hours if another attack occurs; do not take a second dose for the same attack, or within 1 hour if migraine recurs
• Nasal spray: [Adults] 1 x 20mg puff into one nostril per attack, maximum of 40mg (2 puffs) in 24 hours if another attack occurs; [12-17 years] 1 x 10mg puff into one nostril per attack, maximum of 20mg (2 puffs) in 24 hours if another attack occurs

How quickly will it start to work?

Tablets 30–45 minutes; injection 10–15 minutes; spray 15 minutes

How long will the effects last?

Tablets 2–4 hours; injection 1½–2 hours; spray 1–3 hours

When should I stop using it?

Only used for acute migraine attacks       
          

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Sumatriptan should not be used continuously to prevent migraine but only to treat migraine attacks.                                    

What are the possible side effects?

Most side effects of sumatriptan disappear after an hour as your body adjusts to the drug.

The following have been reported:

• More common: pain at injection site, flushing, weakness, a feeling of tingling/heat/heaviness
• Less common: dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: palpitations, chest pain

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, high blood pressure, previous heart attack or stroke, angina
• Other medicines: Antidepressants (eg Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and St John’s wort), lithium, ergotamine
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended under 12 years
• Over 60: Not recommended over 65 years
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause drowsiness
• Alcohol: No special problems, but alcohol may provoke migraine in some people
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Notify your doctor if you have used sumatriptan within 48 hours prior to surgery