IMPORTANT NOTE: The following
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should
not be construed to indicate that use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
SUMATRIPTAN - ORAL TABLET (sue-muh-TRIP-tan)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Imitrex
USES: This medication is used to treat migraine
headache attacks once they occur. It is not effective
in preventing migraines. This medication is not to
be used for other types of headaches.
HOW TO USE: One dose is taken by mouth at the
first signs of a migraine attack. If you must take
a second dose, do so exactly as instructed by your
doctor. Do not take more than 200mg in a 24 hour period.
Tablets are to be swallowed whole with a glass of
water. Do not crush or chew them.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially
cause flushing, dizziness, weakness, nausea, drowsiness,
stiffness, or feelings of tingling, heat, fatigue.
If any of these effects continue or become bothersome,
inform your doctor. In the unlikely event you have
an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood
pressure, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, allergies
(especially drug allergies). There have been rare
reports of those with sulfa drug allergies having
allergic reactions to sumatriptan. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist. Since this medication may cause drowsiness,
use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities
requiring alertness and avoid alcohol because it may
increase drowsiness/dizziness effects. The manufacturer
does not recommend use of sumatriptan in the elderly,
because they may be more sensitive to its side effects.
Sumatriptan should be used during pregnancy only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This medication is excreted into breast
milk. The effects on nursing infants are unknown at
this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all
over-the-counter and prescription medication you take,
especially of: ergotamine- containing medication,
all headache drugs, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine).
Do not take MAO inhibitors with sumatriptan or use
sumatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping use of MAO
inhibitors. Do not take any ergotamine-containing
medication and sumatriptan within 24 hours of each
other. Also, report the use of all antidepressants
or any medications used for weight control. If you
are unsure about the types of medications you take,
ask your care provider or pharmacist. It is recommended
to avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this
medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tremor,
chest pain, slowed breathing, and seizures.
NOTES: This medication is used to relieve a
migraine attack in progress. It is not effective in
preventing migraine attacks.
MISSED DOSE: Take this medication only when
a migraine attack occurs as directed. This is not
taken routinely. Never "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store this medication at 15 to 30
degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F) away from heat and
light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and
all medications out of the reach of children.
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