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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Sumatriptan nasal products are designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with migraine headaches. These headaches are characterized by severe, throbbing head pain often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound and light. Sumatriptan belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin receptor agonists. Its mechanism of action involves narrowing blood vessels around the brain, interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain, and inhibiting the release of natural substances that contribute to the pain, nausea, and other migraine symptoms.
Uses and Dosage
Sumatriptan is available as a nasal spray for inhalation through the nose and as a powder for nasal inhalation using a breath-powered delivery device. Typically, it is utilized at the initial signs of a migraine headache.
If your symptoms improve after using sumatriptan but then return, you may use a second dose of sumatriptan at least 2 hours later. If your symptoms persist without improvement after the initial use, do not administer a second dose without consulting your doctor.
Use sumatriptan precisely as directed—do not exceed or reduce the dosage or use it more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.
For the first dose of sumatriptan nasal, you may use it in a medical facility or doctor’s office where monitoring for potential serious reactions is feasible.
Contact your doctor if your headaches do not improve or if they occur more frequently after using sumatriptan nasal.
Using sumatriptan more frequently or for an extended period than recommended can potentially worsen your headaches or increase their frequency. You should not use sumatriptan nasal or any other headache medication for more than 10 days per month. Consult your doctor if you find the need to use sumatriptan nasal to treat more than four headaches in a one-month period.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- sore or irritated nose
- sore throat
- dry mouth
- unusual taste in the mouth
- nausea
- tiredness
- dizziness
- weakness
- burning or tingling feeling
- warm feeling
- sensitivity to loud noises
- flushing
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- pain, tightness, pressure, discomfort, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, or jaw
- slow or difficult speech
- faintness
- breaking out in a cold sweat
- change in vision
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- 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
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- rash
- hives
- hoarseness
- pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- seizures
- high fever
- agitation
- hallucination
Caution
- Before using sumatriptan, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as this product may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication, especially if you have a history of blood circulation problems, specific types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine), heart problems, liver disease, seizure, or a history of stroke or “mini-stroke” (transient ischemic attack).
- Certain conditions can elevate your risk of heart problems. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, are overweight, a smoker, postmenopausal (for women), or if you are over 40 years old (for men).
- This medication may induce dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- The risk of heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure increases with age. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly elevated blood pressure and heart problems.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when essential. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This drug passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding to make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Form and Strength
Imitrex Nasal Spray is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Imitrex Nasal Spray nasal spray:
- 5 mg
- 20 mg
FAQ
How long does Imitrex Nasal Spray take to work?
Imitrex Nasal Spray usually works within 15 minutes.
Does Imitrex Nasal Spray make you sleepy?
Tiredness is a common side effect with all forms of Imitrex. If Imitrex makes you feel sleepy and this is bothersome to you, talk with your doctor. They may recommend ways to reduce sleepiness.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sumatriptan/how-and-when-to-take-or-use-sumatriptan/#:~:text=Nasal%20spray%20(for%20migraine%20or%20cluster%20headache)&text=The%20nasal%20spray%20usually%20works,10mg%20or%2020mg%20of%20sumatriptan)
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/imitrex#side-effects
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sumatriptan-nasal-route/proper-use/drg-20066193
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614029.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4486/imitrex-nasal/details
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/imitrex-nasal-spray.html
