GENERIC NAME: SUMATRIPTAN - ORAL TABLET (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: One dose is taken by mouth at the first signs of a migraine attack. If you must take a second dose, do so exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not take more than 200mg in a 24 hour period. Tablets are to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them. 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, fatigue. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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 factors 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 medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), heart disease, coronary artery 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 and avoid alcohol because it may increase drowsiness/dizziness effects. The manufacturer does not recommend use of sumatriptan in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to its side effects. Sumatriptan should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication is excreted into breast milk. The effects on nursing infants are unknown at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows