Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: SUMATRIPTAN - NASAL SPRAY (sue-muh-TRIP-tan)

BRAND NAME(S): Imitrex

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat migraine headache attacks once they occur. It is not effective in preventing migraines. This medication is not to be used for other types of headaches.

HOW TO USE: Review the information sheet in the product package for full details of use. The usual dose is one spray into one nostril as the headache occurs. If the headache returns, a second spray may be used anytime after at least two hours pass from the first dose as directed. Use of more than 40 mg in one day is not recommended. Follow your MD and pharmacist directions exactly. If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be advised to take the very first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart attack).

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially cause flushing, dizziness, weakness, nausea, drowsiness, stiffness, or feelings of tingling, heat or cold and fatigue. Burning, numbness or soreness of the nose infrequently occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly if you develop: tightness or pressure in any part of the body, chest pain, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking sumatriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "triptan" migraine drugs; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have risk factor for heart disease including: high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, family history of heart disease or stroke, obesity. Caution is also recommended in women after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, and men over 40 years old because of an increased risk for undiagnosed heart disease. Before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, seizures. There have been rare reports of those with sulfa drug allergies having allergic reactions to sumatriptan. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Since this medication may cause drowsiness, use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol use, which can aggravate drug side effects. The manufacturer does not recommend use of sumatriptan in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to its side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.