Generic Name: sumatriptan
Imitrex StatdoseImitrex is used for the treatment of migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines. Imitrex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Important InformationYou should not use Imitrex if you are allergic to sumatriptan, or if you have circulation problems, heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood pressure problems, a history of heart attack or stroke, severe liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or if you have had a headache that seems similar to your migraine headaches. Do not take this medicine within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), or zolmitriptan (Zomig).
Pharmacokinetics
Imitrex is rapidly absorbed, reaching a maximum concentration in approximately 1 hour. The bioavailability of subcutaneously injected sumatriptan is approximately 12%. Peak plasma concentrations are about 2 ng/mL after a 25-mg subcutaneous dose or 100 mg oral dose. Subcutaneously injected sumatriptan has an elimination half-life of 2 to 3 hours and is excreted primarily as an unchanged drug in the urine. Sumatriptan is not metabolized extensively by monoamine oxidase or cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Imitrex WarningsYou should not take this medicine if you are allergic to sumatriptan, or if you have: circulation problems; heart disease, angina (chest pain); blood pressure problems; a history of heart attack or stroke; severe liver disease; uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure); a headache that seems similar to your migraine headaches. Do not take Imitrex within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), zolmitriptan (Zomig). You should not use Imitrex if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. Sumatriptan can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while you are using this medicine. To make sure Imitrex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart disease or a heart attack;a stroke; blood pressure problems; liver or kidney disease; seizures or epilepsy; depression, anxiety, or other mental illness; xanthoma (yellowing of the skin). Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: sudden and severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; fast or pounding heartbeats; tremor (uncontrolled shaking); shortness of breath; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;; headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); seizure (convulsions); problems with vision or speech. Common Imitrex side effects may include warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin; pressure or heavy feeling; chest pain, fast heart rate; headache, dizziness; drowsiness, weakness; nausea, and vomiting.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Dosage and Administration
Imitrex comes as a tablet, a powder to be mixed with water, and a nasal spray. For the treatment of migraines, the recommended dose is 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. The tablets and nasal spray can be used for either an acute migraine attack or for migraine prevention. The recommended dose for the powder is 6 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight up to a maximum of 200 mg. Imitrex can be taken with or without food. To use the nasal spray, prime the pump by spraying it into the air away from your face until a fine mist appears.
For headaches, the first dose is usually taken as soon as you notice the headache. If your headache does not completely go away, or goes away and comes back, take a second dose 2 hours after the first. Do not take more than 200 mg in a 24-hour period. If you still have migraine symptoms after taking a total of 200 mg in a day, call your doctor.
For migraine prevention, the recommended dose is 50 mg to 100 mg once daily.
Overdose
If you take too much sumatriptan, call your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. An overdose of sumatriptan can be fatal.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.”
