Sumatriptan: Drug Information

Other names: Migratan, Suminat, Sumitrex

Drug Class: Antimigraine Drug

Uses of Sumatriptan:

Sumatriptan is an antimigraine drug that is used in the treatment of acute migraine attacks and associated symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, vertigo and fatigue. This medicine can completely cure severe migraine headaches in some individuals and may alleviate the pain to a great extent in others. Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder that can interfere with the normal run of life. Sumatriptan enables individuals to return to normal activities and is far more affective than other analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium and ibuprofen.

A characteristic trait of this medicine is that it only relieves migraine induced headaches and is not beneficial for treating any other kind of pain. Sumatriptan injections are, however also used to treat cluster headaches.

Dosage:

Sumatriptan is available in the form of tablets, nasal sprays and injections. Take the medicine as directed by your doctor and do not use it as a general analgesic.

Warning and Precautions:

Sumatriptan should not be used as a preventive treatment for migraine.

Individuals allergic to imitrex should not take this medicine.

This medicine should not be given to patients suffering from with recent MI, vasospatic or variant angina, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, severe hypertension and irregular heartbeat.

Sumatriptan should not be co-administered withmono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It should only be given when 14 days have elapsed after discontinuing MAOIs.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to patients who have undergone arecent cerebrovascular accident or have been diagnosed with epilepsy, organic brain syndrome and liver or kidney impairment.

The safety of this drug has not yet been established during pregnancy.

Sumatriptan can pass into the breast milk. Therefore, it is advisable to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are nursing.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to the elderly.

Side Effects of Sumatriptan:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication includecardiac arrhythmias, MI, paresthesia and severe angina.

Overdose:

Symptoms of overdose include ataxia, convulsions, paralysis, erythema, respiratory problems, increased salivation and cyanosis. In case you experience any of these symptoms, you must notify your doctor and contact the local poison control center.