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Sumatriptan 100mg tablets

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Sumatriptan is a highly effective medication used to relieve acute migraine attacks. Belonging to the triptan class of drugs, Sumatriptan works by constricting dilated blood vessels in the brain and stabilizing brain chemicals that trigger migraines. It is available in various forms, including tablets and nasal sprays, to suit different preferences and needs. For best results, Sumatriptan should be taken at the onset of migraine symptoms. This medication is a preferred choice for many who experience frequent and severe migraines, offering relief within approximately 30 minutes. While Sumatriptan is widely used, it should be taken under medical supervision, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

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Sumatriptan 100mg tablets
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Overview

Active ingredients

What is it for?

How does it work?

How do you use it?

Warnings and precautions

Side effects

Drug interactions

FAQs

Download patent leaflet

Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


Checked By
Dr Sarah Thornton
MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction

Medical coaching


What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a medication from the triptan group, also known as 5-HT1 receptor agonists, used specifically for treating migraine headaches. Migraines are often linked to the temporary expansion of blood vessels in the brain. Sumatriptan helps counteract this by narrowing these blood vessels, which can alleviate the headache and reduce associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Sumatriptan is effective only once a migraine attack has begun and does not prevent future attacks. It should not be used as a preventive measure for migraines. For best results, take Sumatriptan as soon as you notice migraine symptoms. It is available in various forms, including tablets and a nasal spray, to accommodate different needs and preferences.

What is the active ingredient in Sumatriptan?

Each Sumatriptan tablet contains sumatriptan succinate as the active ingredient.

What is Sumatriptan used for?

Sumatriptan is primarily used to treat acute migraine attacks. It is effective in relieving the severe headache and associated symptoms of a migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Sumatriptan works by constricting the widened blood vessels in the brain, which helps alleviate migraine pain. It is important to note that Sumatriptan is not used for the prevention of migraines but rather to manage the symptoms once an attack has started. It is suitable for those who experience frequent, intense migraines and need targeted relief.

How does Sumatriptan work?

Sumatriptan belongs to a class of medications known as triptans, or 5-HT1 receptor agonists. It works by targeting specific serotonin receptors in the brain. Here’s how it functions:
  1. Constriction of Blood Vessels: Migraines are often associated with the dilation (widening) of blood vessels in the brain. Sumatriptan binds to serotonin receptors (5-HT1 receptors) on these blood vessels, causing them to constrict. This helps counteract the blood vessel expansion that contributes to migraine pain.
  2. Reduction of Inflammation: By acting on serotonin receptors, Sumatriptan also reduces the release of inflammatory chemicals involved in the migraine process. This helps decrease the overall inflammation and irritation in the brain.
  3. Relief of Migraine Symptoms: As the blood vessels constrict and inflammation reduces, Sumatriptan helps relieve the headache and other migraine symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Sumatriptan is effective when used during an active migraine attack but does not prevent future attacks or reduce the frequency of migraines. It should be used according to your doctor's instructions to manage symptoms effectively. Sumatriptan typically begins to take effect within about 30 minutes, so it's most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine. If Sumatriptan does not provide relief, you might consider trying another triptan, such as almotriptan (Almogran) or frovatriptan (Migard), as alternatives.

How do you use Sumatriptan?

Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions when taking this medicine. If you are unsure about anything, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Recommended Dose:

  • Adults: The usual dose is 50 mg of Sumatriptan at the onset of a migraine. In some cases, a 100 mg dose may be necessary.
  • Children and Adolescents (under 18 years): Sumatriptan is not recommended for this age group.
  • Elderly (over 65 years): Sumatriptan is not recommended for individuals in this age group.
  • Patients with Liver Impairment: Your doctor may prescribe 50 mg of Sumatriptan.
How to Take: Take the tablet with water, preferably as soon as you notice a migraine attack. Do not chew or crush the tablets. If the effect of Sumatriptan is not satisfactory, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Duration of Treatment:
  • If the initial dose does not alleviate symptoms, do not take a second dose for the same attack. You may take Sumatriptan again for a subsequent attack.
  • If symptoms improve but then return after the first dose, you may take a second or third dose, but ensure a minimum of 2 hours between doses.
  • Do not exceed 300 mg of Sumatriptan in any 24-hour period.

If You Take Too Much:

If you take more Sumatriptan than prescribed, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. You may experience side effects listed under “Possible Side Effects.”

If You Miss a Dose:

Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. For any further questions about the use of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use Sumatriptan?

Do not use Sumatriptan if you:
  • Are allergic to sumatriptan or any of its other ingredients, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
  • Have a heart condition such as narrowed arteries (ischemic heart disease) or chest pain (angina), or have previously experienced a heart attack.
  • Have circulation issues in your legs causing cramp-like pain when walking (peripheral vascular disease).
  • Have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
  • Have high blood pressure, unless it is mild and well-controlled.
  • Have serious liver disease.
  • Are using other migraine treatments containing ergotamine, similar medications like methysergide, or any other triptans/5-HT1 receptor agonists.
  • Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have used them in the past two weeks.
If any of the above apply to you, consult your doctor before using Sumatriptan.

Warnings and Precautions:

  • Heart Risk: If you are a heavy smoker, use nicotine replacement therapy, are a man over 40, or a postmenopausal woman, inform your doctor. Sumatriptan has been linked to serious heart conditions in rare cases. Your heart function may need to be evaluated before starting treatment.
  • Seizures: If you have a history of seizures or conditions that increase the risk of seizures, such as a head injury or alcoholism, consult your doctor.
  • Liver or Kidney Disease: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease for closer monitoring.
  • Sulphonamide Allergy: If you are allergic to sulphonamide antibiotics, you might also be allergic to Sumatriptan. Confirm your allergy status with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Antidepressants: If you are taking SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Sumatriptan.
  • Frequent Use: Overuse of Sumatriptan can worsen headaches. Let your doctor know if you are using it frequently; they may suggest discontinuing use.
  • Chest Pain: If you experience intense chest pain or tightness after using Sumatriptan that does not resolve quickly, seek immediate medical attention. More information on possible side effects can be found in section 4.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility:

  • Pregnancy: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. Although there is limited data on Sumatriptan’s safety during pregnancy, no increased risk of birth defects has been found. Your doctor will advise on whether Sumatriptan is suitable for you.
  • Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed for 12 hours after taking Sumatriptan. Discard any breast milk expressed during this time.

Driving and Using Machines:

Sumatriptan or your migraine symptoms may cause drowsiness. If affected, avoid driving or operating machinery. Wait until you know how Sumatriptan affects you before engaging in these activities.

Sodium Content:

Each tablet of Sumatriptan contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg), making it essentially 'sodium-free'.

What are the side effects with Sumatriptan?

Like all medications, Sumatriptan can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some symptoms may be due to the migraine itself. Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives (itchy rash), wheezing, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips, or if you feel faint or collapse. If these symptoms occur after using Sumatriptan, stop using the medication and contact a doctor immediately. Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
  • Sensations of heaviness, pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, throat, or other body parts, as well as unusual sensations like numbness, tingling, warmth, or coldness. These effects are usually intense but tend to resolve quickly. If these symptoms persist or are severe, especially chest pain, seek urgent medical help as they could indicate a heart attack.
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness or drowsiness
  • Dizziness, weakness, or hot flushes
  • Temporary increase in blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle aches
Very Rare Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
  • Changes in liver function. Inform your doctor or nurse if you are having liver function tests while taking Sumatriptan.
  • Seizures, tremors, muscle spasms, or neck stiffness
  • Visual disturbances such as flickering, reduced vision, double vision, loss of vision, or in rare cases, permanent defects (though these may be related to the migraine attack itself)
  • Heart issues including abnormal heartbeat, chest pains (angina), or heart attack
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon, characterized by pale or blue-tinged skin and/or pain in fingers, toes, ears, nose, or jaw in response to cold or stress
  • Faintness or low blood pressure
  • Pain in the lower left side of the stomach and bloody diarrhea (ischemic colitis)
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain
  • Anxiety
  • Excessive sweating
  • Pain or worsening of pain at the site of recent injury or inflammation, such as rheumatism or colon inflammation
  • Difficulty swallowing
Reporting Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, including those not listed here, consult your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps gather more information about the safety of this medicine.
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Does Sumatriptan interact with other medicines?

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take any other medications. Certain medicines should not be used with Sumatriptan, while others may cause adverse effects when combined with it. Specifically:
  • Ergotamine and Similar Medications: These are also used for treating migraines, such as methysergide. Do not use Sumatriptan with these medications. You should stop taking ergotamine or similar drugs at least 24 hours before starting Sumatriptan and wait at least 6 hours after using Sumatriptan before taking any ergotamine-containing medications again.
  • Other Triptans/5-HT1 Receptor Agonists: These include medications like naratriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan. Do not use Sumatriptan with these drugs. Discontinue any of these medications at least 24 hours before using Sumatriptan, and avoid taking another triptan/5-HT1 receptor agonist for at least 24 hours after Sumatriptan.
  • SSRIs and SNRIs: These are antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Combining Sumatriptan with these medications may lead to serotonin syndrome, which can include symptoms like restlessness, confusion, sweating, hallucinations, increased reflexes, muscle spasms, shivering, rapid heartbeat, and shaking. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
  • MAOIs: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors used for depression should not be used with Sumatriptan if taken within the last 2 weeks.
  • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This herbal remedy may increase the likelihood of side effects when used with Sumatriptan.
Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about drug interactions with Sumatriptan.

Sumatriptan FAQs

What are triptans used for in migraine relief?

Triptans are medications specifically designed to treat migraines. They work by contracting blood vessels in the brain and stabilizing brain chemicals. If standard painkillers are ineffective, triptans, such as Sumatriptan, can be a valuable alternative. Sumatriptan is available in both generic forms and as the branded version, Imigran.

How should Sumatriptan be taken for the best results?

To achieve optimal results, Sumatriptan should be taken as soon as migraine symptoms begin. The medication typically starts working within 30 minutes. If Sumatriptan does not alleviate your migraine, you might consider trying other triptans like almotriptan (Almogran) or frovatriptan (Migard).

What is the difference between generic Sumatriptan and Imigran?

Generic Sumatriptan and the branded Imigran both contain the same active ingredient, sumatriptan succinate. The primary difference is cost; generic versions are usually more affordable than the branded Imigran, though they are equally effective.

How is Sumatriptan prescribed and what doses are available?

Sumatriptan is available by prescription only and is offered in two strengths: 50mg and 100mg. The 50mg dose is generally effective for most people, while the 100mg dose is used for more severe migraines or if the 50mg dose is insufficient. Your doctor will help determine the best dose for your condition.

What other migraine relief medications are available?

In addition to Sumatriptan, we offer a range of migraine relief options, including other triptans like Migard (frovatriptan) 2.5mg tablets, Imigran (sumatriptan) nasal sprays (10mg & 20mg), and wafer melts such as Maxalt Melt (rizatriptan) 10mg.

What over-the-counter options are available for migraines?

Over-the-counter medications that can help with migraine pain and nausea include paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, and Buccastem M for nausea.

What are the common side effects of Sumatriptan?

Common side effects of Sumatriptan include chest, throat, or body pressure, unusual sensations such as numbness, tingling, warmth or cold, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and temporary increases in blood pressure. These effects are usually temporary but should be monitored.

What should I do if I experience severe side effects from Sumatriptan?

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, such as intense chest pain, get medical help immediately. Other symptoms like pain or tightness in the chest should also be reported to a healthcare provider if they do not subside quickly.

What are the warnings associated with Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan should not be used if you have a history of strokes, severe circulation issues, or heart conditions like angina or heart attacks. It is also not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure or severe liver dysfunction. Before using Sumatriptan, consult your GP if you are a heavy smoker, a man over 40, or a woman who has gone through menopause.

When should I avoid using Sumatriptan?

Avoid Sumatriptan if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, have high blood pressure, severe liver impairment, or are currently using ergotamine, similar medications, or MAO inhibitors. For further information, consult the Sumatriptan Patient Information Leaflet or speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.524.pdf

Checked By
Dr Sarah Thornton
MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction

Medical coaching


Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


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