What is Sumatriptan? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Sumatriptan

• 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 administer sumatriptan nasal spray:

  • The instructions for administering a dose may vary by product. Please read the Instructions for use included in the package. 

  • Sumatriptan nasal spray comes in single-dose spray devices in portable plastic packs.

  • The medicine is sprayed into one nostril only.

  • Do not test the device before using it.

  • Gently blow your nose before administering the spray.

  • Keep your head upright with one finger closing the other nostril and your mouth closed when giving a dose.

  • Keeping the head upright, gently breathe in and out of the nose for 10 to 20 seconds.

  • Immediately dispose of the empty single-dose sprayer.

  • Store sumatriptan nasal spray at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

• How to administer sumatriptan nasal powder (Onzetra Xsail):

  • Carefully follow the instructions on the package insert or have a healthcare professional demonstrate how to use the dosing device.

  • The powder is delivered through a device with a mouthpiece and an insertable nosepiece.

  • The nosepiece contains the medicine.

  • Sumatriptan nasal powder is administered into both nostrils using two dosing nosepieces.

  • Insert the nosepiece into the device.

  • Insert the nosepiece deeply into one nostril.

  • Rotate the device so that the mouthpiece can be placed in the mouth.

  • Blow into the mouthpiece for two to three seconds as if you were blowing up a balloon for two to three seconds.

  • Remove and immediately dispose of the used nosepiece.

  • Insert a new nosepiece and repeat the process in the other nostril.

  • Remove and discard the used nosepiece.

  • Store Onzetra Xsail at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sumatriptan

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

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

Sumatriptan contraindications - Who shouldn't take Sumatriptan?

• 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 warnings

• Tell any 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 interactions & what to avoid when taking Sumatriptan

• 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.