What is Sumatriptan Succinate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Sumatriptan Succinate

• Follow all the prescriber’s instructions when taking sumatriptan. Do not take more than prescribed or exceed the maximum daily dosage.

• The first dose may need to be taken in a doctor’s office or clinical setting.

• Only take a sumatriptan dose when you experience a migraine or cluster headache. Sumatriptan does not prevent migraine or cluster headaches.

• If the initial dose does not provide any relief, do not take a second dose without talking to a doctor or other healthcare provider.

• If the first dose provides some but not enough relief or the migraine returns, wait for at least one hour (injection) or two hours (tablets or nasal formulations) before taking a second dose.

• Consult with the prescriber if you need to treat more than four headaches in any 30-day period.

• How to take sumatriptan tablets:

  • Tablets can be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

  • Store sumatriptan tablets at room temperature 

• How to administer sumatriptan injections:

  • Injections can be self-administered with an auto-injector or a needle and syringe.

  • An entire injector kit consists of an injector, cartridges, and a carrying case. If possible, keep everything stored in this carrying case.

  • Sumatriptan injectors, cartridges for injectors, and vials are single doses.

  • Autoinjector instructions will vary by product. Please read the Instructions for Use or have a healthcare provider demonstrate how to use the injector properly.

  • When using a syringe, always use a new needle and syringe to give an injection.

  • When giving an injection, use a site with enough skin and tissue to accommodate the length of the needle.

  • Store sumatriptan cartridges in their closed case with the injector at room temperature protected from light.

  • Store sumatriptan vials at room temperature and protect them from light. Always keep the vial in the carton or carrying case.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sumatriptan Succinate

• Use sumatriptan only when experiencing an active migraine or active cluster headache (injections only).

• A missed dose can be taken at any time if pain and symptoms persist.

• The next dose cannot be taken until two hours later (migraines) or one hour later (cluster headache.)

Sumatriptan Succinate contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan or if you have:

  • Hemiplegic or basilar migraines 

  • Serious coronary artery disease, including angina or a history of heart attack

  • Certain types of heart rhythm abnormalities

  • History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

  • Peripheral vascular disease

  • Intestinal injuries due to compromised blood flow (ischemic bowel disease)

  • High blood pressure not controlled by blood pressure medications

  • Severe liver disease

Sumatriptan Succinate warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. 

• The prescriber may need regular visits or lab tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of this treatment. Keep all appointments.

• Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Diabetes

  • A history of seizures

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • A family history of heart disease

  • Eye or vision problems

• Tell the prescriber if you smoke or are overweight. Both are risk factors for heart disease.

• Sumatriptan can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Increased risk of heart problems, heart attack, or chest pain

  • Increased risk of stroke

  • Blood vessel problems

  • High blood pressure

  • Serotonin syndrome

• Do not breastfeed for 12 hours after you take a dose of sumatriptan.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Your headaches may become worse if you use headache medicine for 10 or more days per month. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Sumatriptan Succinate interactions

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks. You can find a list of MAO inhibitors here.

• Never combine sumatriptan with certain types of migraine treatments:

  • Other triptans

  • Migraine drugs called ergots such as cafergot, ergomar, migergot, or Migranal (dihydroergotamine)

• To avoid drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements being taken before starting sumatriptan.

• Tell the prescriber about any depression medications being taken, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Find more detailed information about sumatriptan interactions to avoid here.