Generic
Sumatriptan
5 brands available in the market
At a glance
Sumatriptan is a serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist (triptan) used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
Description
Sumatriptan is an agonist at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. It causes vasoconstriction of cranial arteries and inhibits neurogenic inflammatory processes in the CNS. It activates 5-HT receptors on peripheral terminals of the trigeminal nerve, reducing neuropeptide release and relieving migraine pain.
Indications
- Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura – in adults
Therapeutic class
5-HT Agonists
Pharmacological class
Serotonin Receptor Agonist (Triptan)
Pharmacology
Sumatriptan activates 5-HT1B receptors to constrict cranial arteries and 5-HT1D receptors to inhibit neurogenic inflammation in the trigeminal nerve. It reduces cranial vasodilation, decreases neuropeptide release, and relieves migraine pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Mechanism of action
Relieves migraine pain by constricting cranial arteries and inhibiting neurogenic inflammation.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 50-100 mg single dose; may repeat after 2 hours if migraine recurs
- Maximum: 200 mg/24 hours
- Mild-moderate hepatic impairment: Max single dose 50 mg
Nasal Spray:
- Single dose: 10 mg; maximum 30 mg/24 hours; separate doses by 1 hour
Administration
- Take with or without food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Nasal spray: Use as directed
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness, weakness
- Drowsiness
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling in hands and feet)
- Flushing (warmth in face, ears, neck)
- Nasal pain, burning (nasal spray)
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in history of coronary artery disease or coronary vasospasm
- Do not use in stroke, TIA, or hemiplegic/basilar migraine
- Do not use in uncontrolled hypertension
- Do not use in severe hepatic impairment
- Do not use as prophylactic therapy
Contraindications
- Coronary artery disease or coronary vasospasm
- Stroke, TIA, hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- Peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Use within 24 hours of another 5-HT1 agonist or ergotamine
Drug interactions
- Ergotamine and related compounds: Risk of vasospastic reaction
- SSRI, MAOI: Risk of serotonin syndrome (potentially fatal)
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Sumatriptan (excessive drowsiness).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant passage into breast milk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Not recommended for patients under 18 years
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Mild-moderate: caution (max 50 mg); severe: do not use; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; excessive doses may increase side effects; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at 20-25°C; do not refrigerate or freeze; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Sumatriptan