Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Sumatriptan is prescribed for the treatment of migraines. Its purpose is to alleviate migraine symptoms such as pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Sumatriptan can help you get back to your regular activities and possibly decrease your reliance on other pain relievers. This medication is classified as a triptan drug and functions by influencing serotonin, a natural substance that causes constriction of blood vessels in the brain. It may also alleviate pain by impacting certain nerves in the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Sumatriptan injection is available as a liquid solution for subcutaneous injection (just under the skin). It is typically used at the onset of a migraine headache. If your symptoms improve after using sumatriptan but return after an hour or more, you may take a second dose. However, if your symptoms do not improve after the first dose, consult your doctor before taking another injection.
Use sumatriptan exactly as directed. Do not use it more or less often than prescribed.
Sumatriptan injection is available in pre-filled auto-injection devices and vials to be used with disposable syringes. If you are using vials, your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on the appropriate type of syringe to use. Using the wrong syringe may result in an incorrect dosage.
Inject sumatriptan into the outer side of your thigh or upper arm. Do not inject through clothing and never inject into a vein or muscle.
Your first dose of sumatriptan injection may be administered in a doctor’s office or medical facility for monitoring in case of serious reactions. Read the instructions that come with your injection device carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate its use.
Contact your doctor if your headaches do not improve or become more frequent after using sumatriptan injection.
Using sumatriptan more frequently or for longer periods than recommended can worsen your headaches or increase their frequency. You should not use sumatriptan injection or any other headache medication for more than 10 days per month.
Contact your doctor if you need to use sumatriptan to treat more than four headaches in a month.
Do not reuse prefilled injection devices or vials of sumatriptan injection. Dispose of used syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- flushing
- tingling feeling
- feeling warm or cold
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- weakness
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- nausea
- muscle cramps
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, and/or jaw
- slow or difficult speech
- faintness
- breaking out in a cold sweat
- shortness of breath
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- sudden or severe stomach pain
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- bloody diarrhea
- vomiting
- sudden or severe stomach pain
- sudden weight loss
- paleness or blue color of the fingers and toes
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- redness, swelling, or itching of the eyes, face, lips, or throat
- rash
- hives
- change in vision
- seizures
Caution
- Before taking sumatriptan, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you may have, including to this drug or other substances. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Before taking this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have or have had blood circulation issues, certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine), heart problems, liver disease, seizure, or stroke.
- Certain conditions can increase your likelihood of developing heart problems. Inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, overweight, smoker, postmenopausal (women), or age greater than 40 years (men).
- This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Drinking alcohol or using marijuana can intensify these symptoms. Do not operate machinery, drive, or undertake any activity that requires alertness until you can do so safely.
- The risks of heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure increase with age. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, specifically increased blood pressure and heart problems.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This drug passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Imitrex Injection Stat Dose System Autoinjector Kit is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Imitrex Injection Stat Dose System Autoinjector Kit tablet:
- 6 mg / 0.5 mL
FAQ
How often can you take Imitrex?
If you take Imitrex too often, you may develop rebound headaches. It’s recommended that you take Imitrex less than 10 days per month, to avoid this side effect.
Should you lay down after taking Imitrex?
Lying down in a quiet, dark room for a while after you use this medicine may help relieve your migraine.
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/imitrex#dosage
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/imitrex-df
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sumatriptan-oral-route/description/drg-20074356
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7741/sumatriptan-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696023.html
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601116.html
