Description

Imigran® Tablets (Sumatriptan) for Migraine

What is Imigran®?

Imigran® is a branded migraine medicine containing sumatriptan, an active ingredient belonging to a group of medicines known as triptans.

It is used for the acute relief of migraine attacks, including migraine with or without aura. It is intended to treat an established migraine attack and is not used as a preventive treatment to stop migraines from occurring.

Sumatriptan tablets are available in different strengths, including 50 mg and 100 mg. The appropriate strength depends on individual circumstances and should be selected according to the product information and advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

How does sumatriptan work?

The active ingredient in these tablets is sumatriptan, which belongs to the triptan class of medicines. It acts on specific serotonin receptors involved in migraine.

During a migraine attack, changes involving blood vessels and nerve pathways in the brain can contribute to symptoms such as headache, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Sumatriptan works on serotonin receptors and helps relieve the symptoms associated with an acute migraine attack.

Unlike ordinary painkillers, triptans are specifically designed to target migraine attacks.

What is this medicine used for?

This treatment is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, including attacks with or without aura.

Migraine can affect people differently and may cause symptoms such as:

• Moderate to severe headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Visual disturbances
• Other symptoms associated with migraine

Treatment should be used only when there is an established diagnosis of migraine. It is not intended to prevent future attacks.

Sumatriptan 50mg tablets

The usual recommended oral dose for adults is 50 mg, although some people may require a 100 mg dose depending on their response and individual circumstances.

Each standard 50 mg tablet contains 50 mg of sumatriptan, provided as the succinate salt.

The correct strength and dose should always be determined according to the medicine’s official product information and advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

How to take the tablets

Always follow the directions provided by your doctor, pharmacist or the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

For oral sumatriptan tablets, treatment is generally taken when the migraine headache begins rather than during the aura or warning symptoms before the headache.

The tablet should be swallowed whole with water.

If the first dose provides relief but the migraine symptoms return later, a further dose may be taken provided that the required interval between doses has passed. For the standard UK product information, at least 2 hours should pass between doses.

The total oral dose should not exceed 300 mg within 24 hours.

Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If the first dose does not provide relief, do not automatically take another dose for the same attack without checking the instructions for your particular product or seeking professional advice.

How quickly does sumatriptan work?

Oral sumatriptan generally starts working within approximately 30 to 60 minutes, although the response can vary between individuals and from one migraine attack to another.

The medicine is intended for use during an acute attack rather than as a daily preventative treatment.

If your migraine attacks are becoming more frequent or you regularly need acute migraine medication, speak with a healthcare professional about your treatment options.

Who should not take this medicine?

Sumatriptan is not suitable for everyone.

You should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using it if you have, or have previously had, certain heart or circulation problems.

It may not be suitable for people with certain cardiovascular conditions, previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack, or particular circulation disorders.

Your healthcare professional should also know about any other medicines you are taking because sumatriptan can interact with certain treatments.

Do not use this medicine if you have been advised that triptan medicines are unsuitable for you.

If you are uncertain whether this treatment is appropriate, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Side effects

Like all medicines, sumatriptan can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Possible side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tingling or numbness
• Feelings of warmth or cold
• Tiredness
• Temporary increases in blood pressure

Some people may also experience sensations of pressure, tightness or heaviness in parts of the body after taking a triptan.

These effects are not experienced by everyone and are usually temporary. However, if you experience severe, persistent or unusual symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for the complete list of possible side effects.

Sumatriptan and other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you currently take before starting treatment.

In particular, sumatriptan should not normally be taken at the same time as other triptan medicines or ergotamine-containing medicines because of the potential for interactions.

Certain antidepressants and other medicines may also require consideration when using this treatment.

If you take medication regularly, including medicines for depression, heart conditions, blood pressure or other migraine treatments, discuss this with a healthcare professional before using sumatriptan.

Do not combine different migraine medicines unless you have been advised that it is appropriate to do so.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using sumatriptan.

Your healthcare professional can assess your individual circumstances and advise whether this treatment is appropriate.

Do not assume that a medicine is suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding simply because it is commonly used to treat migraine.

Important safety information

This medicine is intended for the acute relief of migraine attacks and should not be used as a preventative treatment.

Do not exceed the recommended dose or take the medicine more frequently than directed.

If you find that you regularly need acute migraine treatment, speak with a healthcare professional. Frequent headaches or frequent use of acute migraine medicines may require further assessment and a different treatment approach.

If your headaches become unusually severe, change significantly from your normal migraine pattern, or are accompanied by concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop serious symptoms such as severe or persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or symptoms that could indicate a stroke.

Always read the patient information leaflet before taking your medicine.

Key product information

Active ingredient: Sumatriptan

Medicine class: Triptan / selective 5-HT1 receptor agonist

Indication: Acute relief of migraine attacks, with or without aura

Tablet strengths: 50 mg and 100 mg

Usual adult oral dose: 50 mg

Maximum oral dose: 300 mg within 24 hours

Typical onset: Approximately 30–60 minutes for oral tablets

Treatment type: Acute migraine treatment

Preventative treatment: No

Product information can vary according to the specific strength, formulation and pack supplied. Always check the packaging and current patient information leaflet before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Imigran used for?

Imigran is used for the acute relief of migraine attacks, including migraine with or without aura. It contains the active ingredient sumatriptan, which belongs to the triptan class of medicines.

Is Imigran the same as sumatriptan?

Imigran is a brand name used for medicines containing sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is the active ingredient responsible for the medicine’s therapeutic effect.

How long does sumatriptan take to work?

Oral tablets generally begin working within approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The exact response varies between individuals and different migraine attacks.

Can I take this medicine every day?

No. Sumatriptan is intended for the acute treatment of migraine attacks rather than routine daily prevention. If you regularly experience migraines or frequently need acute treatment, speak with a healthcare professional.

What strength should I take?

The usual recommended oral dose for adults is 50 mg, although some patients may require 100 mg. The appropriate strength depends on your individual circumstances and should be determined according to the official product information and healthcare advice.

Can I take another tablet if my migraine comes back?

If the initial dose has relieved the migraine but the symptoms return, the UK product information allows a further dose provided that at least 2 hours have passed. The total oral dose must not exceed 300 mg within 24 hours.

Always follow the instructions for your specific product.

Can I take sumatriptan with other migraine medicines?

Some migraine medicines should not be taken together with sumatriptan. In particular, other triptans and ergotamine-containing medicines can interact with it.

Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before combining migraine treatments.

Is sumatriptan a painkiller?

No. Sumatriptan belongs to the triptan group of medicines and is specifically designed to treat acute migraine attacks. It is different from conventional painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Does it prevent migraines?

No. This treatment is intended to relieve an acute migraine attack rather than prevent future attacks.

If you experience frequent migraines, a healthcare professional can discuss preventative treatment options with you.

What are the common side effects?

Possible side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, tingling sensations, tiredness and temporary feelings of warmth or cold.

Some people may also experience sensations of pressure, tightness or heaviness.

Read the patient information leaflet for the complete list of possible side effects and precautions.

When should I speak to a doctor about my migraines?

Speak with a healthcare professional if your migraines are becoming more frequent, more severe, changing from your usual pattern, or if you regularly need acute migraine medication.

Seek urgent medical attention for severe or unusual symptoms, particularly symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fainting, severe chest pain or possible signs of stroke.

Medical information notice

This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine before use. If you are unsure whether sumatriptan is suitable for you, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.