What is Sumatriptan?
Do you want to know why Sumatriptan is prescribed for heachaches and all other information about the medicine? Let’s get into the sphere of knowledge in a simplified manner.
Sumatriptan is basically used to treat migraine induced headaches and nausea. This may happen to you because of prolonged exposure to sound and light. Sumatriptan can be used with different combinations suggested by your health expert for healing quickly..
Not only Sumatriptan works for treating migraine disorders but also its brand which is known as Imitrex, Alsuma, Zembrace SymTouch. Sumatriptan belongs to the drug class of selective serotonin receptor agonists.
Sumatriptan works by blocking the pain sensations in the brain and releasing the natural substances that stop you from feeling the symptoms of headaches. (Plosker, G.L. and McTavish, D., 1994)
How should you take Sumatriptan?
- Before consuming sumatriptan you should read the label on the medicine package.
- Do not break the medicine
- Consume the tablet with a glass full of water
- You can take the medicine with or without food. (Plosker, G.L. and McTavish, D., 1994)
Forms, Strengths and Dosage
- Initial dose depends on the severity of headache from 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
- If you do not feel any changes increase your dosage after 2 hours.
- Maximum dose within a day should not increase more than 200mg.
- Due to old age, they might take longer to observe the medicine. Your kidney, heart and liver may be at risk. Do consult the doctor, if needed they might prescribe you with the smaller dose. (Plosker, G.L. and McTavish, D., 1994)
Precautions of Sumatriptan
You should take some preventive measures before consuming Sumatriptan such as:
- You should not consume if you are allergic to Sumatriptan
- You should not take other selective serotonin receptor agonists.
- Inform your doctor if you have heart disease or diarrhea
- If you are suffering from kidney issues, you should be wise enough to take the medicine.
- Avoid smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages
- Do not consume any other sleeping medicine before or after 24 hours of consuming Sumatriptan.
Avoid consuming medicines for a longer duration, because it can be addictive
Note: Try not to drive or use any machinery.
Sumatriptan during pregnancy
Sumatriptan While Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding the baby Sumatriptan is safe for you. Due to the medicine compound mixing in a smaller amount into the breast milk, there is no harm for the baby.
Note- Get a confirmation if the baby is born premature or has any health issues.
What if you Miss a Dose of Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is used only when needed. It does not have a proper dosing schedule. If you do not see any changes after the first dose, do call your healthcare provider.
Side Effects of Sumatriptan
- Dizziness
- Burning sensation
- Sore throat
- Eye irritation
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain
- Painful during urination
- Nasal Discomfort
- Palpitations
- Nose bleeding (Ferrari, M.D. and Saxena, P.R., 1993)
Sumatriptan and its Addictiveness
Most people have doubts about any medicine being addictive or not. Sumatriptan is not an addictive medicine. But you might tend to use more often.
What if you Overdose on Sumatriptan?
There are a lot of effects that you might see if you overdose on Sumatriptan such as:
- Seizures
- Paralyze
- Trouble in breathing
Half-Life Of Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is used as a short term medicine that takes 2 hours for its half life. Sumatriptan takes 10 hours to fully wipe out from the body.
The Must Information you should Know while Consuming of Sumatriptan
You should be aware of few important things of Sumatriptan such as:
General:
- Don’t break or crush the medicine
- Every pharmacist does not stock Sumatriptan, be sure to get a confirmation
- Sumatriptan is available by prescription only.
Storage:
- Store the Sumatriptan medicine in between 2 to 30 degree celsius.
- Avoid Sumatriptan exposing to light
- Do not keep Sumatriptan in moist places.
Travel:
- While traveling, carry the Sumatriptan in your hand bag.
- There is no harm if Sumatriptan pass through an x-ray machines
- If you are traveling through air, carry the prescription
- Do not keep the medicine in too hot or cold conditions.
Refills:
- No need to worry because your doctor will write the number of refills required on the prescription.
Drug Interactions
Few drugs may interact with Sumatriptan such as:
- Linezolid
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Citalopram
- Zolmitriptan
- Naratriptan
Conclusion:
Sumatriptan treats migraine headaches. It works directly on the brain and numbs the pain sensations. It is not easy for you to get directly from the pharmacist due to less stock. Do not use heavy machinery or drive after consuming Sumatriptan. Common side effects are dizziness and sore throat and avoid overdosing.
