IMITREX DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT 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. |