MPORTANT 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. |
