IMIGRAN

Drug: Sumatriptan

Brand name: Imigran

Use: Acute migraine relief

Sumatriptan is a 5HT1 agonist (serotonin agonist) used for the treatment of acute migraine attacks and cluster headache.

Dose:

50 mg orally as soon as possible after the onset of migraine.

Migraine relief should occur within 30 mins of taking Imigran. A second dose should not be taken for the same attack.

Cautions:

- heart disease
- liver impairment
- pregnancy & breast-feeding
- history of seizures
- kidney impairment

Contra-indications:

- ischaemic heart disease
- previous heart attack
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- concurrent ergotamine use

Side Effects:

Tingling, heat or tightness, drowsiness, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbance, nausea & vomiting.

Interactions:

Ergotamine preparations should be avoided (can cause vasospasm). Antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs) and lithium have increased risk of toxicity with Imigran.