Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Sumatriptan

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Serotonin Receptor Antagonist, 5-HT3 Imigran® Adult

Sumatriptan - What is it for

Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It works by reducing inflammation and reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, thereby stopping a migraine headache. It is often used to treat a migraine attack after it begins. It will not prevent a migraine.

Sumatriptan - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Sumatriptan cause?

  • Feeling sleepy, dizziness, tiredness
    • Do not drive or use machinery
    • Do not drink alcohol when taking this medication
  • Pain or tightness in your throat or jaw
    • If pain is intense and does not go away, please seek medical attention
  • Flushing (feeling hot), tingling sensation
  • Sore throat  


The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:   

  •  Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body


Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as:

  • Feeling agitated and restless, other mental changes such as hallucination
  • Heavy sweating, shivering
  • Fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat
  • Rigid or twitching muscles
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea


Signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

  • Discomfort in the middle of your chest that lasts for a few minutes or goes away and comes back
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • Chest pain or chest discomfort that feels like an uncomfortable heavy pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
  • If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Sumatriptan , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You have history of heart condition or stroke, uncontrolled blood pressure, seizure (fits), liver or kidney diseases.
  • You are allergic to antibiotic that contains sulfonamide.
  • You are taking taking medications under the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) e.g. fluoxetine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) e.g. venlafaxine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) eg. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Sumatriptan ?

​Avoid taking different triptans or triptan combination products (e.g. zolmitriptan, eletriptan etc.), or medications containing ergotamine (e.g. Caffox, Cafergot) or dihydroergotamine within 24 hours after taking sumatriptan.

Sumatriptan - Dosage and How to Use

How should Sumatriptan be used?

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions as to how many tablets to take when the attack starts. It should work within 30 minutes.
  • If your migraine is not completely relieved, you may repeat a dose (usually the same as the first dose) 2 hours after the first dose. Do not take more than 4 tablets (200 mg) per day or as per your doctor’s instructions.
  • Do not use sumatriptan too frequently (limit of 9-10 days per month or as per your doctor's instructions) as it can cause medication overuse headache (migraine/headache may worsen).
  • You may take this medication with or without food.
  • If the tablets did not give you enough help with your migraine, consult your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

What should I do if I overdose?

Sumatriptan - Handling

How should I handle Sumatriptan safely?

Sumatriptan - Storage

How should I store Sumatriptan ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Sumatriptan safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Sumatriptan - Additional Information

  • Updated on 2/28/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

​If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

Find Your Medicines