How and when to take or use sumatriptan

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking or using this medicine.

Dosage and strength

Sumatriptan comes as:

• 50mg and 100mg tablets
• 3mg and 6mg pre-filled syringes
• a 10mg and 20mg nasal spray

The usual dose for migraine is one 50mg tablet. Some people may need more (100mg tablet) for severe migraine relief.

How to take or use it

Take your first dose as soon as the pain starts. Do not take it at the warning stage, before your migraine starts. This is when some people get symptoms of aura.

Tablets (for migraine only)

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush it.

If you find tablets difficult to swallow, some sumatriptan tablets have a score line to help you break them in half. Check the information leaflet inside the medicine packet to see if you can do this with your medicine.

Tablets usually begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes. If your first sumatriptan tablet does not help, do not have another one for the same attack.

If your migraine improves but then comes back, you can take the same dose again after 2 hours. Do not take more than 300mg in 24 hours.

Injections (for migraine or cluster headache)

Check the instructions that come with your medicine to find out how to use the pre-filled syringe (auto-injector) or pen and how to get rid of it safely afterwards.

Use the pre-filled syringe to inject 1 dose. You’ll usually inject it into your thigh.

The medicine generally works in 10 to 15 minutes.

If your headache improves but then comes back, you can inject another dose after 1 hour.

If the first sumatriptan injection does not help, do not have another one for the same attack.

Nasal spray (for migraine or cluster headache)

1. Blow your nose if it feels blocked or if you have a cold.
2. Place your finger over 1 nostril.
3. Spray the medicine into the other nostril and breathe in gently at the same time.

The nasal spray usually works within 15 minutes.

Each spray contains 1 dose (10mg or 20mg of sumatriptan). If your headache improves but then comes back, you can have another dose after 2 hours.

If the first dose of sumatriptan does not help, do not take another dose for the same attack.

Follow the instructions that come with your medicine to find out how to use the single-use nasal spray.

Important

Do not have more than 2 injections, or 2 doses of nasal spray, or more than 300mg of tablets in 24 hours.

If you take too much

Do not take more than your prescribed amount in any 24-hour period. The maximum amount is 300mg of tablets, 12mg as injections or 40mg as a nasal spray.

Taking too much sumatriptan may make you very ill. An overdose can cause fainting, slowed heart rate, vomiting, loss of bladder and bowel control, and sleepiness.

It can narrow your blood vessels, leading to heart problems such as chest pains, abnormal heart rhythm or a heart attack. It can also reduce the blood supply to other organs such as part of your large intestine. This can give you a severe stomach ache.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

• you take more than your prescribed dose of sumatriptan

Go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the sumatriptan packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you.

Page last reviewed: 8 December 2022

Next review due: 8 December 2025

Experts Answer Your Questions: New Warnings on Imitrex?

New Warning on Imitrex

Q. I’ve been a National Headache Foundation subscriber for many years and a sufferer for over 40 years. When Imitrex (sumatriptan) was available it was a miracle for me. I have taken Imitrex for many years, usually having my physician prescribe three packages (27 pills) for a 3 month’s supply (mail order). Now my physician has limited me to only one package (9 pills) for 3 months, stating that there have been new warnings about sumatriptan use and that patient use of it needs to be closely monitored. I have always been careful not to exceed two doses in a 24-hour period, but often my migraines come in clusters and I might need to take, 6 or more pills in one week, so the 9 pills will never last 3 months. Are there new warnings on Imitrex or do you think this is an insurance problem?

A. It is unfortunate that many migraine sufferers are limited on how many triptans pills (i.e.-Imitrex) they may receive. This may lead to increased days of disability and unnecessary anxiety. I am not sure if your physician or your prescription plan is limiting you but it is more likely your prescription plan. Many prescription plans limit relatively expensive medications. Most triptans pills are about $20 per pill. The medication package insert for Imitrex (and many triptans) states “the safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established.” This statement does not mean they are not safe if used more frequently and many headache specialists, including myself, feel comfortable prescribing them up to 2 days per week in healthy patients. However, some prescription plans use this statement to mean a maximum of 4 treatment days per month with an average of 1 ½ doses per headache, thus limiting coverage to 6 pills per month. Since Imitrex comes in packages of 9, you are allowed 9 per month. Ask your prescription plan if they have an appeals process which will allow more.

Loretta Mueller D.O.
University Headache Center
Stratford, NJ

Environmental Headache

Q. Prior to menopause my migraines were mostly hormone driven. Since going through menopause my migraines are now triggered by weather changes, bright light, loud noise, and perfume and food preservatives. I have taken all the recommended vitamins for years with little response. My neurologist put me on Topomax 100 mg in the morning and at night as well as Relpax at onset of the headache. Perfume is hard to deal with unless I become a hermit. It is everywhere even at migraine seminars. Do you have any advice besides wearing an oxygen mask? Weather changes are causing me to spend a lot of my life in bed with ice packs since the relpax doesn’t help. I go to work even though I do not feel well but I do not function well. Have you heard of taking food enzymes to help with food sensitivities? I’ve ceased eating out and have given up eating processed foods, etc.

A. There are many potential triggers for migraine, as in your case. These triggers may not be consistent, or may be additive, and often change with time. Obviously you cannot change the weather (without moving) and I agree strong perfumes are much too prevalent. Your best bet is to reduce your brain’s excitability. Standard approaches are both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic. Regulate your sleep and meal schedule, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid known dietary triggers. It may be time to change or add another daily preventive medication. Common classes include other anti-epileptics, anti-depressants, or blood pressure pills. I have not heard of food enzymes helping headaches.

Loretta Mueller D.O.
University Headache Center
Stratford, NJ

Occipital Neuralgia

Q. Can you tell me if a normal MRI of the brain on a 29 year old can rule out occipital neuralgia? Can you tell me if there are any diagnostic/laboratory tests that can be done on a patient that would rule out the diagnoses of occipital neuralgia?

A. There are no tests such as an MRI which will prove or disprove occipital neuralgia. The diagnosis is based on clinical features and may usually be confirmed pain relief after numbing and/or anti-inflammation injections around the nerve (an occipital nerve block). Typical features include stabbing or electrical shock-like pain starting in the back of the head on 1 or both sides (depending on whether 1 or both occipital nerves are involved). The pain may radiate to the front of the head or behind the eye and the scalp is sometimes tender to touch. It is usually caused by injury or irritation to the occipital nerves which come from the neck to the scalp in the back of the head.

Loretta Mueller D.O.
University Headache Center
Stratford, NJ

Disabling Migraines

Q. My wife has had disabling migraines for several years. She was released from a local hospital; they spent 7 days treating her migraines to get them under control. We have tried several different treatments to include Topamax for preventative meds and Botox for migraine control. She is a flight nurse and would like to remain on flight status, but when the pain is severe she has to be hospitalized. If we do not find someone who can treat the problem without putting her in the hospital and pushing narcotics she will be unable to retain her flight status. She was injured in the Army and had a migraine related stroke in 2003 and Chari Decompression in Jan 07. Now we are at wits end to locate someone who can give her a somewhat normal life, Any and all help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

A. With her history of a migraine-related stroke, an Army injury and a Chiari decompression, it sounds like your wife may have more than just “migraine”. Many different headache disorders can lead to debilitating headaches and getting the correct diagnosis is the key to finding appropriate treatment. Your wife should get an evaluation from a headache specialist to review her entire history and figure out what is going on. From there, they can work together to develop a strategy to get her on the road to good control. Looking at the National Headache Foundation website should hopefully provide you with a specialist near you.

Susan Broner, M.D.
The Headache Institute
New York, NY

Auras without the Headache

Q. I am currently 58, in good health, take no pills. I am 5’4′ and weigh 125 and have been at this weight (give or take a few) for the last 20 years.

I have had about 15 migraine headaches since I was 14 years old, maybe 5 or 6 between the ages of 14 and 21 that included the usual tremendous migraine pain. I experience auras with all my migraines. They stopped until I was about 32. When they began again, I experienced an aura which started out tiny and enlarged until it fills my whole field of vision and then goes away, leaving a slight headache. I usually have about two during a year, and then it skips a year. During the last two, I started doing my yoga breathing and the aura goes away quicker than it used to.

Is this still considered a true “migraine” or is this something else. Do you know if any of your members have described a similar situation? The last two times I had the aura, the middle joints of my ring and middle finger of my left hand felt like someone was electrically stimulating them, like a dentist drilling without the pain. Any clues you can give me. My family doctor said that since I don’t get the migraine pain, don’t worry, but this new wrinkle of the tingling feeling has me concerned.

A. Migraine with aura only affects about 20% of all people with migraine. An aura is often visual, being seen in both eyes and often as you describe – a central area of light, often surrounded by shimmering, zigzag lines that slowly expand to cover a portion of the visual field. Some people experience other neurological symptoms with aura, such as tingling or numbness of a limb, a weak or clumsy hand, speech problems, and so on. Aura typically lasts 5 to 60 minutes, but in some cases can last longer. Aura is typically followed by a headache, although there are people who get aura without headache. The pain that follows is typical of a migraine headache, with moderate to severe pain and associated with either light and sound sensitivity or nausea or vomiting, although some people can get milder headaches.

Any time an aura changes, or is prolonged (lasting more that 60 minutes), an evaluation should be sought. With your new symptoms, which are atypical, you should see a neurologist. It’s important to be evaluated to rule out worrisome causes of the symptoms, such as seizure, tumor or other problem.

Susan Broner, M.D.
The Headache Institute
New York, NY

Migraine Headaches

Q. I am a 48 year old female. I have migraines that last for several days. I always wake up with a headache and all through the night. Sometimes I am sick and sometimes I am not. I have had everything checked, MRI’s, sleep studies, and all kinds of medicine. Can you please help me find a way to control my migraines?

A. Waking up everyday with a headache can be a sign of medication overuse headache. Are you taking something everyday to help your headache? Daily use of medication can actually lead to daily headache, also called “rebound headache”. Alternatively, waking up every morning with a headache can indicate a neck or oral problem. Other factors contributing to your headache could include perimenopause and fluctuating hormones (you mention you are 48 years old) and/or poor sleep quality. A complete evaluation and aggressive preventive approach is highly recommended.

Susan Hutchinson, M.D.
Director
Orange County Migraine & Headache Center
Irvine, CA

Daily Migraine Headaches

Q. I’ve had migraine headaches since I was a young child and have seen numerous doctors. I’ve been on numerous medications and nothing seemed to help. These headaches run my life. I was having them every single day and I would take Excedrin Migraine, Ultram and sometimes 1/2 tablet Percocet in the evening when it got unbearable. I realized these could be partly rebound, but no one could stop them. I finally got some relief when I was put on Atenolol, but it gave me terrible leg pains, so that was the end of that. A friend told me to try acupuncture and that has been wonderful! For the first time in years I’m relatively pain free. I just take Topamax 50 mg bid and when I do get an occasional headache it is cured by an Excedrin PM. It’s a miracle. I don’t need any more “heavy duty” medications! I never thought this could be possible. I hope in time to stop the Topamax as well.

A. I am pleased to hear that you are better. You have recognized that while you were taking all the pain medications, it was going to be very difficult to manage your headaches. Unfortunately, although preventive medications for migraine are useful, they are far from perfect. Often several of these need to be tried and best results often come out of using a non-medication therapy, like biofeedback or acupuncture. The good news is that as you are feeling better, your brain is becoming desensitized and so you may well are able to stop, or at least reduce the preventive medications.

Mark Green, M.D.
Columbia University College of Physicians
New York, NY

Chronic Headaches

Q. What is the best way to get rid of chronic headaches?

A. This is not an easy question as there are many causes of chronic headaches and I would need a great deal of information to address this. All individuals with chronic headaches should be under the care of a headache specialist who has access to a wide variety of treatments and experience with the varieties of headache types.

Mark Green, M. D.
Columbia University College of Physicians
New York, NY

Migraine treatment – Clinic Zdorovye 365 Yekaterinburg

Doctors say that many women don’t talk about how badly their head hurts because they don’t want to complain too much. One of the problems may be that people suffering from migraines think that nothing will help them. They have watched their mother or grandmother suffer from a migraine and think they should suffer too. Despite significant advances in pharmacology and the large number of treatment options that are available today, many continue to take the ineffective drugs that their older relatives used to combat migraine pain.

Typically, migraine patients take some kind of pain medication, lie in bed, try to overcome nausea and vomiting, and protect themselves from lights, sounds, and smells that can trigger or exacerbate a migraine attack.

Unfortunately, many migraine sufferers do not see a doctor, despite the fact that today there are many effective treatments.

If you have migraine attacks, it is important to build a good relationship with your doctor because migraine is a recurring disease. The first step is to find a doctor with experience in migraine treatment who understands that migraine is a disease that occurs due to changes at the biological level.

We recommend that you find a doctor who is willing to consider several treatment options, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes.

During treatment, communication can be poorly tolerated by patients for a number of reasons, but it is the key to effective treatment. About half of migraine patients have stopped looking for a way to deal with their headaches, in part because they were not satisfied with the treatment, a statistic that can be improved by patient-physician communication.

Communication and treatment counselors can provide advice on how to start a dialogue with a doctor, discuss symptoms and treatment options. Many people believe that if you mark a calendar when attacks occur, you can learn how to control headaches. This method is especially effective when you and your doctor begin to draw up a treatment program.

In the headache calendar, note:

• when headaches occur
• severity and duration of headaches
• possible pathogens, including diet, stress, environment, etc.
• dates of menstruation
• remedies that did not help with pain

The National Headache Foundation of America website www.headaches.org also provides a wealth of useful information for people with headaches, including a headache diary:

treatment and then evaluate the treatment you are currently receiving. Rate how satisfied you are with the chosen treatment program (from “completely satisfied” and ending with “extremely dissatisfied” with intermediate ratings). Rate the treatment according to the following criteria:

• fast acting
• causes the fewest side effects
• non-sedating
• reduces sensitivity to bright lights and/or sounds
• easy to use
• relieves headache
• only needs to be taken once a week
• exists in the form of injections
• is available as a nasal spray
• is available as 9 tablets0020
• is proven effective
• is available in various shapes

Also rank these criteria according to how important they are to you. Use the description (from “very important” to “not important”) to help you prioritize and tailor a treatment program that’s right for you.

Next, make a list of activities that you think you have to neglect because of a migraine. Be sure to include work, relationships with family members, personal time, sleep, sports, social status, or other activities that have to be relegated to the background due to migraine attacks.

In fact, if you write down what you have to give up because of a migraine and discuss it with your doctor, then the doctor will be able to choose the most comprehensive course of treatment. Most often, doctors select a more effective method of treatment if they receive detailed information about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, often during consultations little attention is paid to activities that have to be abandoned because of a headache. In order to get more information about such activities, there is, for example, a questionnaire that estimates the number of activities that have to be abandoned due to migraine.

Then make an appointment with the doctor to discuss your specific case. Take your lists with you. Ask for a course of treatment that takes into account the factors that seem most important to you in managing your headache and are consistent with your lifestyle. Before leaving the doctor’s office, make an appointment to discuss the effectiveness or failure of the chosen treatment option.

Finally, after starting treatment, write down in a diary the frequency and severity of headaches, and how the treatment affects you. At your next visit, show your doctor your notes and, if necessary, ask for changes to your treatment. Finding the right treatment for you takes patience and adjustments.

Medication

The doctor makes a treatment plan based on how often headaches occur. Rare headaches (once or twice a month) are usually treated with fast-acting, strong medications that reduce headache, nausea, and increased sensitivity to bright lights and/or sounds. Women with migraine often have to change the type of treatment. They are recommended preventive treatment.

If you have frequent or prolonged headaches, or if you have pain that interferes with your daily activities, you will need to take medication daily to prevent migraines.

Drugs to treat or shorten the duration of migraine

One of the most commonly used drug classes is the triptans. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how they work, but these drugs reduce migraine headaches and ease the aura. Specialized triptans include naratriptan (Amerge by Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt by Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex by Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig by Zomig), almotriptan (Axert, Axert), frovatriptan (Frova). , Frova) and eletriptan (Relpax by Relpax). All triptans listed are available in tablet form. “Imitrex” and “Zomig” are also produced in the form of a nasal spray, and “Imitrex” in the form of injections. The fastest and most effective drugs in the form of injections.

Listed below are drugs used for emergency management of severe migraine pain :

• dihydroergotamine (Migrenol Migrainol, DHE 45)
• Ergotamine, a drug that was commonly prescribed for migraine before the advent of triptans. Ergotamine is a more economical, but at the same time, less effective option. Ergotamine is usually given to people with long-lasting (more than 48 hours) or frequent migraines.
• opioids, namely codeine
• corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone and dexamethasone

Since ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE 45) can cause nausea and vomiting, they can be combined with antinausea drugs. Experts warn that ergotamine should not be taken in excessive doses by people with angina, severe hypertension, or vascular, liver, or kidney disease. The same goes for DHE. Also, this drug is not recommended for pregnant women.

Medicines to treat/prevent frequent migraine attacks :

• Beta-blockers prevent vasodilation. These include propranolol (Inderal Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard Corgard), and timolol (Blocarden Blocadren). Caution: Doctors recommend that people taking beta-blockers, and especially those with a family history of heart disease, do not stop taking these drugs abruptly.
• Calcium channel blockers prevent migraine in susceptible individuals. Common calcium channel blockers include: verapamil (Calan Calan, Isoptin Isoptin), nifedipine (Procardia Procardia, Adalat Adalat) and nimodipine (Nimotop Nimotop).
• Anticonvulsants. Some drugs prevent seizures, such as divalprex sodium (Depakote, Depakote), valproate (Depacon, Depacon), and topiramate (Topamax, Topamax). Some people experience migraines less often as a result of taking these medications. In large doses, they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and dizziness.
• Antidepressants. In some cases, antidepressants are used to prevent migraines. These include tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil by Elavil, Endep by Endep), nortriptyline (Pamelor by Pamelor, Aventyl by Aventyl), and protriptyline (Vivaktil by Vivactil).
• Monoclonal antibody preparations, such as Ajovy (fremanezumab) – a drug for the prevention (reduction in the number of attacks) of episodic and chronic migraine. The more calcitonin-related peptide (CGRP) is released in migraine, the stronger and more painful the headache. Ajovi binds the CGRP neuropeptide or its receptor and blocks the migraine headache pathway.

Atypical antidepressants such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can relieve some chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Warning: The US Food and Drug Administration warns that antidepressants increase the risk of suicide, especially in adolescents and children. Anyone taking antidepressants should be carefully screened for suicidal tendencies. If you plan to take antidepressants, discuss the risk with your doctor and always read the information on the package.

Botox in the treatment of chronic migraine

Botox is used to treat and prevent chronic migraine attacks in adults. Chronic migraine is referred to as having a headache for more than 15 days a month, 8 or more of which are accompanied by migraine-like symptoms.

Non-drug treatments

Drug therapy for migraine is often combined with biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, or relaxation techniques.

Biofeedback is a technique used to gain control over a function that would normally operate automatically (such as blood pressure or pulse rate). The function can be controlled. Relaxation techniques are applied to change function. Biofeedback uses electronic or electromechanical instruments to observe, measure, process, and feed back information about blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, brain waves, and other psychological functions.

This technology can be used at home with a portable device. The ultimate goal of this treatment is to wean the patient off the machine so that they can apply the biofeedback technique at the first sign of a headache.

Through relaxation techniques, one can learn to counteract muscle tension by relaxing the mind and body using yoga, meditation, progressive relaxation, and imagery. Relaxation techniques can be used with or without biofeedback.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy helps to identify what is causing headaches. People who get migraine experience the same stressors as everyone else, but in migraine patients, stress can trigger migraine attacks. Thus, through specific stress management training, the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that influence the onset of headaches can be identified and managed so that headaches do not occur.

Diet therapy

Some migraine sufferers benefit from a course of treatment focused solely on avoiding foods and drinks that cause headaches. For this reason, it is necessary to keep a migraine diary to identify individual pathogens. In 30% of cases, diet helps patients.

A diet that prevents low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause blood vessels in the head to dilate, may help some people with migraines. This condition usually manifests itself due to a long time spent without food: for example, during the night or if a person skips a meal. A headache in the morning after waking up may be a reaction to low blood sugar due to not enough food received by the body during the night.

The treatment for headaches due to low blood sugar is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. A special diet may be prescribed to stabilize the body’s system that regulates blood sugar. For a similar reason, many experts also advise migraine patients not to sleep too long on the weekends, as normal blood sugar levels can be disturbed and headaches can set in.

Dosage, form, strength and safety Imitrex | SingleCare – Product Information

Home >> Product Information >> Dosage, forms and strengths of Imitrex

Medication Information Imitrex is a brand-name prescription drug that helps relieve migraine and cluster headaches.

Forms and strengths | Imitrex for adults | Imitrex for children | Dosage restrictions for Imitrex | How to take Imitrex | FAQs

Imitrex is a brand name prescription drug that helps relieve migraine and cluster headaches. The active ingredient, sumatriptan succinate, belongs to a family of drugs called triptans (or 5-HT receptor agonists) and works by causing the blood vessel in the head to constrict, relieving many symptoms of a migraine or paroxysmal headache. Imitrex can be taken as a pill, nasal spray, or injection. Everyone works differently, so the prescribed method will depend on the condition of each person.

RELATED: Find out more about Imitrex | Get Discounts Imitrex

Imitrex Forms and Strengths

Each form of Imitrex – tablet, injection or nasal spray – depends on the amount of drug entering the bloodstream. As a result, different dosage forms have significantly different dosing strengths.

• Tablets: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg
• Nasal Spray : 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
• Injection (StatDose Pen): 4mg, 6mg

Imitrex nasal spray is packaged in an individual nasal spray unit of measurement containing a single dose. The injections are packaged as cartridges with an injection pen each containing a single dose.

Imitrex dosage for adults

90 200

Imitrex dosage for migraine

Imitrex tablets, nasal spray, and injection FDA approved as an acute treatment for migraine with or without aura. Migraines are caused by many factors and are a complex phenomenon involving overexcitation of nerve cells and dilation of a blood vessel in the head. Blood vessel dilation causes many of the symptoms of migraine. Sumatriptan constricts the blood vessel, thereby relieving the symptoms of migraine.

Imitrex dosage forms differ in their effects. About 14% – 17% of the sumatriptan in a tablet or nasal spray dose enters the bloodstream. The nasal spray, however, starts working earlier – about 15 minutes – for a tablet – no more than 30-60 minutes. On the other hand, almost the entire injectable dose enters the bloodstream, begins to act in minutes, and gives a much higher peak concentration than tablets or nasal spray.

• Migraine Standard Dosage (tablets): 25-100mg tablet followed by a second dose if needed no sooner than two hours
• Migraine Standard Dose ( nasal spray ): 5– 20 mg dose followed by a second dose if needed no sooner than 2 hours
• Standard dose for migraine (injection): 4-6 mg dose followed by a second dose if needed no sooner than 1 hour
• Maximum dosage for migraine (tablets): 200 mg for a 24-hour period 0020
• Maximum dosage for migraine (injection ): 12 mg over a 24-hour period

Imitrex dosage for paroxysmal headache

Imitrex injections are approved for the treatment of acute cluster headaches. As with migraine, sumatriptan relieves the symptoms of a paroxysmal headache by constricting a blood vessel in the head and face.

• Standard dosage for paroxysmal headache (injection): 4-6 mg dose followed by a second dose if necessary no sooner than an hour later
• 9 0179 Maximum dosage for paroxysmal headache ( injection): 12 mg over a 24-hour period

Imitrex pediatric dosage

Imitrex is only approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older, although some healthcare professionals may use Imitrex injections off-label as an acute treatment for migraine in children.

Imitrex dosage restrictions

For a variety of reasons, Imitrex may not be an appropriate drug for some people. I) hemiplegic or basilar migraine, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe liver damage or severe drug hypersensitivity. People with renal insufficiency, mild to moderate hepatic impairment and the elderly do not require dose adjustment, but Imitrex should be used with caution. Caution is also required for seizure disorders, high blood pressure, latex allergy (when using the injectable form), and cardiac risk factors.

How to take Imitrex

Imitrex is taken as a tablet, nasal spray, or by itself by subcutaneous injection. Doses will vary depending on the format.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine.
• If you do not feel better with the first dose, do not take the second dose without first talking to your doctor or other health care provider.
• If you feel relief from the first dose, but the migraine comes back or the first dose does not provide sufficient relief, wait at least one hour (injection) or two hours (tablet or nasal spray) before taking the second dose.
• If more than two doses are needed in one day, do not take additional doses. Call your doctor or other health care professional for medical advice.

Imitrex tablets

• Imitrex tablets can be taken with or without food
• Swallow Imitrex tablets whole with a glass of water or other liquid

Imitrex nasal spray

1. VImitrex nasal spray unit supplies Single dose
2. Imitrex nasal spray is for one nostril only

How to take the nasal spray:

1. Blow your nose before use to clear your nasal passages.
2. Insert the nozzle into an open nostril and close your mouth.
3. Press the blue plunger while inhaling through the open nostril.
4. Remove the cap and, turning forward, gently inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth for 10-20 seconds.

ImitrexSTAT injection dosage

• STATdose pen injects a single dose of Imitrex
• A healthcare professional will demonstrate how to use the STATdose cartridges and syringe
• The STATdose injector comes in a carrying case for both syringe and drug cartridges.
• Only two servings in the carrying bag. Do not use more than one carry bag (two doses) per day.

How to give the injection:

1. Have a healthcare professional demonstrate the correct injection technique before taking the first dose.
2. Carefully follow the instructions on the package insert.
3. Dispose of used cartridges properly.

Imitrex Dosage FAQ

How long does it take Imitrex to work?

Imitrex injections will begin to work in about six minutes, and the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood will be reached in about 12 minutes. In contrast, Imitrex nasal spray takes about 15 minutes to take effect, while the tablet takes about 30 minutes, with a maximum concentration of about 45 minutes. However, gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) caused by migraine may delay the effect of the pill for another 30 minutes.

How long will Imitrex stay in my system?

With a half-life of approximately two hours, Imitrex is short-acting and rapidly eliminated from the body. Some people experience a return of migraine symptoms when the first dose wears off, so a second dose may be needed.

What happens if I miss a dose of Imitrex?

Imitrex is usually taken at the onset of migraine or paroxysmal headache symptoms, but may be administered at any time during a paroxysmal headache or migraine attack. A second dose may be given two hours later if symptoms partially disappear or if the headache returns. Do not take a second dose if the first dose does not provide measurable relief and contact your health care provider.

How can I stop taking Imitrex?

Used for its intended purpose, Imitrex can be easily discontinued. However, using Imitrex too often – 10 or more days a month – can cause overmedication headache (MOH), a condition in which the frequency and intensity of headaches increase when too much headache medication is used. Fortunately, stopping sumatriptan does not cause any withdrawal symptoms other than a rebound headache and possibly nausea or trouble sleeping. They disappear after about four days. Your doctor may stop taking the medication completely or use a gradually decreasing dose.

In addition to medication-related headache, a healthcare professional may decide to end sumatrip treatment for any sign of a heart problem, such as chest pain (angina), chest tightness, or shortness of breath. . If sumatriptan is discontinued, alternative treatments include other triptans, traction medications, pain relievers, CGRP antagonists, anti-nausea medications, dexamethasone, or a range of physical treatments.

Other side effects of Imitrex may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, a feeling of rotation, and sensitivity to light or sound. If you experience any of these side effects after taking Imitrex, contact your health care professional.

What is the maximum dosage for Imitrex?

The maximum daily dose for Imitrex is two 100 mg tablets, two 12 mg nasal spray tablets, or two 6 mg injections. Health care professionals will warn people not to take Imitrex for 10 or more days per month.

What interacts with Imitrex?

Some Imitrex drug interactions may cause serious side effects including serotonin syndrome, vasospasm, or dangerously high blood pressure.

Imitrex should not be used within two weeks of taking an MAO inhibitor such as marplan (isocarboxazid), phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, linezolid, or procarbazine.

Imitrex should not be taken within 24 hours while taking other triptans such as Walk (naratriptan), Axert (almotriptan), rizatriptan, or Treximet (sumatriptan also proxen), or anti-migraine medications such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.