How does it work?

Naratriptan belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin (or 5HT) agonists. It is used in the treatment of migraines. Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine attacks. It is also believed that a chemical called serotonin (5HT) is released in the brain at the beginning of an attack. Serotonin causes the release of other chemicals, which cause blood vessels in the brain to widen. Serotonin itself causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Naratriptan binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, which causes the blood vessels to narrow. By decreasing the width of blood vessels in the brain naratriptan relieves the pain of migraine headaches.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

This medicine should not be used to prevent migraines.

Do not exceed the stated dose.

This medicine should only be used by people with a clear diagnosis of migraine from their doctor.

Use with caution in

Allergy to medicines from the sulphonamide group, eg the antibiotic sulphamethoxazole

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Heart disease

Men over 40 years

Post-menopausal women

Not to be used in

A form of migraine associated with paralysis of the eye muscles (ophthalmoplegic migraine)

A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion

A type of migraine where there is a disturbance in brain function which initially presents with total blindness followed by dizziness, speach disturbances, ringing in the ears and double vision (basilar migraine)

Children or adolescents under 18 years of age

Genitically inherited migraine which presents as paralysis of one side of the body

Heart attack

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

History of stroke

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

People over 65 years of age

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Small stroke caused by blood clots temporarily blocking blood vessels in the brain

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

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