Common Use

Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine attacks, both with and without an aura, as well as cluster headache attacks. It functions as a specific and selective agonist of 5-HT1-serotonin receptors, primarily located in the blood vessels of the brain. Migraine headaches are thought to result from the widening of blood vessels in the brain. Sumatriptan induces vasoconstriction in the carotid arterial bed, which supplies blood to extracranial and intracranial tissues, without significantly affecting cerebral blood flow. It also blocks the activity of receptors responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Dosage and Direction

Sumatriptan should be taken at the onset of a migraine attack. The recommended oral dose for adults is 25-50 mg, which can be increased to 100 mg if necessary. While the medication is effective at any stage of the attack, an additional dose should not be taken if the initial dose does not provide relief. Treatment should continue to prevent future attacks. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The usual intranasal dose is 5-20 mg, with a maximum daily dose of 40 mg.

Precautions

Sumatriptan is specifically for treating acute migraine attacks or cluster headaches and should not be used for unusual types of migraines. Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid using this medication.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Basal, ophthalmoplegic, or hemiplegic migraine
• Ischemic heart disease (including suspected cases)
• Angina (including Prinzmetal's angina)
• Myocardial infarction (including history)
• Hypertension
• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
• Stroke or transient cerebrovascular accident (including history)
• Liver and kidney failure
• Epilepsy or conditions with a low epileptic threshold
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants, adolescents under 18, and patients over 65
• Concurrent use with ergotamine or its derivatives and MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days of discontinuing them)

Possible Side Effects

Sumatriptan is generally well-tolerated, and adverse reactions are rare. Common side effects include chest or throat pain, tightness, tingling, flushing, weakness, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, sweating, nasal irritation, and injection site reactions. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Drug Interactions

• Concurrent use with ergotamine or ergotamine-containing medications may cause prolonged blood vessel spasms (a 24-hour interval between doses is required).
• Interaction with MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, procarbazine) may increase Sumatriptan concentration.
• Use with SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline) or SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine) may lead to weakness, hyperreflexia, and poor coordination.

Missed Dose

Sumatriptan is not intended for regular use and should only be taken during an attack.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include bluish skin, convulsions, dilated pupils, inactivity, lack of coordination, paralysis, redness in limbs, skin changes at the injection site, slow breathing, sluggishness, and tremor. Seek emergency medical help immediately if these symptoms occur.

Storage

Store Sumatriptan at a temperature between 2-30°C (36-86°F) in a tightly sealed container protected from light and moisture.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for general purposes only and does not cover all possible directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional for specific instructions tailored to your condition. We disclaim any responsibility for the reliability of this information or any consequences resulting from its use.