sumatriptan at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonist, commonly called a triptan.
Main licensed use
Acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura.
Prevention
Not intended to prevent migraine attacks.
Expected onset
The nasal spray may begin helping within about 15 minutes.
What is sumatriptan used for?
The selected nasal spray is licensed for:
Acute treatment of a diagnosed migraine attack, with or without aura.
How does sumatriptan work?
Sumatriptan activates selected 5-HT1 serotonin receptors. This constricts dilated cranial blood vessels and reduces trigeminal nerve activity, helping relieve migraine symptoms.
sumatriptan preparations and strengths
Nasal preparation
Route: Nasal
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take sumatriptan
Use the nasal spray after the migraine headache begins rather than during aura alone. Blow your nose if blocked, close one nostril, place the nozzle in the other and breathe in gently while activating the single-use device. Follow the pack leaflet.
The nasal spray may be useful when migraine causes nausea or vomiting.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
sumatriptan side effects
Common or expected effects
- Unpleasant or altered taste
- Temporary nasal or throat burning, irritation or nosebleed
- Dizziness, sleepiness or tingling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushing or temporary feelings of heat, cold, pressure, tightness or heaviness
- Weakness, tiredness or muscle pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Persistent, severe or increasing chest or throat tightness
- Possible serotonin syndrome: agitation or confusion with fever, sweating, diarrhoea or muscle twitching
- Seizure, severe visual disturbance, or symptoms suggesting reduced blood flow to the heart, brain or bowel
sumatriptan in pregnancy
Sumatriptan is well studied and is not known to harm the baby, although uncertainty remains. A prescriber should review whether expected benefit outweighs possible risk, especially when treatment is being started or changed.
sumatriptan while breastfeeding
Only small amounts pass into breast milk. Sumatriptan is considered compatible with breastfeeding when the baby is healthy. Discuss concerns about an unwell baby, feeding, sleepiness or stomach symptoms with a prescriber or pharmacist.
sumatriptan interactions
Check all migraine treatments, antidepressants and herbal products before using sumatriptan.
Ergotamine and ergot derivatives
Combined use is contraindicated because vascular effects may be additive and increase the risk of coronary vasospasm.
Other triptans or 5-HT1 agonists
Combined use is contraindicated because vascular and adverse effects may be additive.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Concurrent or recent use is contraindicated because MAO inhibition can increase sumatriptan exposure.
Common questions about sumatriptan
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can sumatriptan prevent migraine attacks?
No. It treats an attack after it begins and is not a preventive treatment.
Can I use sumatriptan during migraine aura?
The nasal spray should generally be used once the migraine headache begins, rather than during aura before pain starts.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.