Drug Name
Imitrex (Sumatriptan)
Drug Uses
Imitrex is used to treat migraine headaches.
How Taken
When you have migraine simptoms, take one dose of imitrex. In some cases two doses, but not more than 200 mg a day, can be taken only if instructed by your personal healthcare practitioner.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Sumatriptan is an antimigraine medicine. Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilatation of the blood vessels in the head. Sumatriptan causes constriction of the blood vessels, thus relieving migraine headache. While it is very effective in relieving migraine, it does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks of migraine.
Missed Dose
Since sumatriptan is used to treat migraines or cluster headaches, as they occur, and not to prevent them, missing a dose is not a problem. Use only the doses you need, according to your doctor's instructions.
Storage
Should be stored at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep your medicine away from the reach of children.
Warnings/Precautions
If you have any of the following conditions you should not take imitrex:
- allergy to Imitrex,
- Raynaud syndrome,
- strokes in the past,
- certain types of heart disease,
- transient ischemic attacks,
- uncontrolled blood pressure,
- peripheral vascular disease.
You should consult your personal doctor before taking this medicine if you
- smoke,
- have high cholesterole or high blood pressure,
- diabetes.
Possible Side Effects
The following side effects can occur when taking imitrex:
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- fatigue,
- drowsiness.
More Information
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using sumatriptan and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- severe or prolonged chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
- chest, jaw, or neck pain or tightness;
- sudden or severe stomach pain;
- problems seeing;
- or unusual weakness or numbness.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to use sumatriptan and talk to your doctor if you experience
- nausea;
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- tingling, flushing, warmth, redness, or heaviness of a body part;
- unpleasant taste in the mouth (nasal spray);
- nasal irritation (nasal spray);
- or injection site discomfort (injection).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
