How does it work?

Sumatriptan 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 is released in the brain at the beginning of an attack. Serotonin triggers the release of other chemicals which cause blood vessels in the brain to widen. Serotonin itself causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Sumatriptan directly binds to serotonin (or 5HT) receptors in the brain causing the blood vessels to narrow therefore relieving the pain of migraine headaches.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

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

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

Controlled hypertension

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

Men over 40 years

People at risk of developing coronary heart disease

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)

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

Heart attack

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

Severely decreased liver function

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

Stroke

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.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Label warnings

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

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

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