Imitrex (Sumatriptan Oral and Nasal) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Imitrex (sumatriptan) is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes is accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to sound and light). Imitrex (sumatriptan) is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the head and stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain. Imitrex (sumatriptan) does not prevent migraine attacks.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Imitrex (sumatriptan) comes as a tablet to take by mouth and a nasal spray. It should be used at the first sign of a migraine headache. If you are at risk for heart disease and you have never taken Imitrex (sumatriptan) before, you may need to take the first dose in your doctor's office. Usually only one dose is needed. If pain is not relieved with the first dose, your doctor may prescribe a second dose to be taken after at least 2 hours. Do not take more than 200 mg of the tablets or 40 mg of the nasal spray in any 24-hour period. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Imitrex (sumatriptan) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

    Take the tablet with plenty of water or other fluids.

    To use the nasal spray, follow the package directions or ask or your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

  • Other uses for this medicine

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before taking Imitrex (sumatriptan):

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Imitrex (sumatriptan) or any other drugs.
    • do not take Imitrex (sumatriptan) if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the past 2 weeks or if you have taken another medication for migraine headaches such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), methysergide (Sansert), almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), or zolmitriptan (Zomig) during the past 24 hours.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft); and selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), sibutramine (Meridia), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
    • tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have a strong family history of heart disease, if you are postmenopausal, or if you are a man over 40. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure; angina (recurring chest pain); a heart attack; diabetes; high cholesterol; obesity; stroke; transient ischemic attack (ministroke); ischemic bowel disease; coronary artery disease; seizures; or blood vessel, kidney, or liver disease.
    • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Imitrex (sumatriptan), call your doctor.
    • you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
    • remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Eat a normal, healthy diet with the same amount of foods that contain vitamin K; ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of foods that contain vitamin K. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you make any changes in your diet or try to gain or lose weight. Do not eat large amounts of leafy, green vegetables or certain vegetable oils, such as soybean or canola, that contain large amounts of vitamin K. Avoid juice or products that contain cranberries. Ask your doctor about eating licorice while taking warfarin.

    Tell your doctor if you drink nutritional supplements or receive supplements by a feeding tube.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    Imitrex (sumatriptan) is not for routine use. Use it only to relieve your migraine headache as soon as symptoms of the migraine appear.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Imitrex (sumatriptan) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • flushing
    • tingling feeling
    • feeling of warmth or heaviness
    • drowsiness
    • dizziness
    • upset stomach
    • diarrhea
    • vomiting
    • irritation of the nose
    • muscle cramps

    If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

    • pain or tightness in chest or throat
    • sudden or severe stomach pain
    • fast heartbeat
    • difficulty breathing
    • wheezing
    • redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelids, face, or lips
    • skin rash, lumps, or hives
    • change in vision

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat, moisture (not in the bathroom), and light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

  • What other information should I know?

    Keep all appointments with your doctor.

    Call your doctor if you continue to have symptoms.

    Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

    • Imitrex®