Sumatriptan is a medication to treat migraine attacks. In addition, injectable sumatriptan can also be used to treat cluster headaches. This medication is used to relieve symptoms and may not prevent migraines or cluster headaches.
Although the exact cause of migraines is not known, it is thought that this condition occurs when serotonin levels drop and there are temporary changes in blood vessels and nerve cells.
Sumatriptan works by affecting serotonin receptors and nerve cells in the brain, so that migraine complaints and cluster headaches can subside.
Generally, sumatriptan is given when other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are not effective at relieving migraines or headaches. cluster.
Sumatripan trademark: triptagic
What is Sumatriptan
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Triptan |
| Benefit | Overcoming migraine attacks and cluster headaches (cluster headaches) |
| Used by | Mature |
| Sumatriptan for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Sumatriptan can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, injectable fluids |
Precautions Before Using Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Sumatriptan should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are or have recently had treatment with other anti-migraine medicines, such as ergotamine or with antidepressants, such as MAOIs or SSRIs. Sumatriptan should not be used together with these drugs
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, severe liver disease, or uncontrolled hypertension. Sumatriptan should not be used by patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke, are postmenopausal, or have or have ever had diabetes, high cholesterol, seizures, epilepsy, or obesity.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking sumatriptan because this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- If you are planning to have surgery or certain medical procedures, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking sumatriptan.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to any medication, serious side effects, or an overdose after using sumatriptan.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Sumatriptan
The dose of sumatriptan is given based on the form of the drug, condition, and the patient's response to treatment. In general, the following are the dosages of sumatriptan for adults over 18 years of age based on the form of the drug:
Sumatriptan tablets
- Condition: Migraine
Dosage 50–100 mg, may be repeated at 2-hour intervals if migraine recurs. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.
Sumatriptan injection
- Condition: Migraine or cluster headache
Dosage 6 mg in one injection. The dose may be repeated at least 1 hour after the first injection if symptoms persist. The maximum dose is 12 mg per day.
How to Use Sumatriptan Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before using sumatriptan. Do not increase or decrease the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor first.
Sumatriptan injectable type is only given in the hospital by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will inject sumatriptan subcutaneously, that is, into the lower layers of the skin.
Sumatriptan tablets can be taken before or after meals, or as directed by a doctor. This medication is intended to relieve migraine symptoms and not to prevent migraines from occurring. If symptoms do not improve, do not take more than the dose recommended by your doctor.
In patients who are at risk for heart disease, cardiac examinations, such as a heart record (EKG) will be performed before starting therapy. The first dose will generally be given in the hospital so that any side effects that occur can be monitored.
Store sumatriptan tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Sumatriptan Interactions with Other Drugs
Some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur if sumatriptan is used with other drugs are:
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if used with opioid drugs, such as methadone, anti-emetics, such as granisetron, or MAOI, SSRI, or SNRI antidepressants
- Increased risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke, when used with bromocriptine or ergotamine
In addition, if sumatriptan is used together with herbal remedies, such as St. John's Wort, can increase the risk of side effects.
Sumatriptan Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using sumatriptan are drowsiness, feeling tired or weak, feeling warm in the chest, face, or neck (flush), or vomiting.
For injectable dosage forms, other side effects that can occur are the appearance of tingling, numbness, neck stiffness, or redness and pain in the injection area.
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs to a drug or a more serious side effect occurs, such as:
- Impaired blood flow in the legs which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as muscle cramps, muscle weakness, cold feet, bluish color of the legs, or hip pain
- Heart disorders that can be characterized by the appearance of a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath
- Serotonin syndrome which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as restlessness, hallucinations, high body temperature, fast heartbeat, fainting, or severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- High blood pressure (hypertension) which can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as a severe headache, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears
- A stroke that can be characterized by the appearance of certain symptoms, such as weakness on one side, sluggishness, or loss of consciousness
