What is this medicine for

This medication is a selective serotonin receptor agonist, prescribed for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound and light). It narrows blood vessels in the brain and by stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain.

How does it work

Sumatriptan lowers swelling of blood vessels in the brain that cause the migraine.

How should this medicine be used

It comes as a tablet, intranasal solution or injection to be administered just under the skin. It may be taken with or without food.

Common side effects of this medicine

Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loss of eyesight. This can be long-lasting. - Oral tabletshot: - Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and staying in cool places may help. Skin irritation. - Intranasal: - Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal. Nose irritation.

What do I do if I miss a dose

This drug is taken on an as needed basis.

What precautions should I take when taking this medicine

If you have an allergy to sumatriptan succinate or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have any of these health problems: Some types of migraine headaches, chest pain or pressure, diseased arteries going to the legs, heart attack, heart disease, very bad liver disease, poor bowel blood flow, stroke, or very high blood pressure. If you are using this drug to stop you from getting migraine headaches. If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this drug is started. Taking both at the same time could cause risky high blood pressure. If you have taken almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan in the last 24 hours. If you have taken ergotamine, methysergide, or dihydroergotamine in the last 24 hours.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or passing out. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Big change in balance. Agitation, twitching, sweating, or muscle stiffness. Very nervous and excitable. Change in strength on 1 side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred eyesight. Very bad headache or if headache is not better after the first dose. Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very bad belly pain or bloody loose stools. Feeling very tired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take it with other medicines

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store this medicine

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Antimigraine Preparations