Sumatriptan
(soo-ma-TRIP-tan)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan (Imitrex®) is used to relieve migraine headache symptoms. It is not used to prevent future migraine attacks. It is available as a tablet, nasal spray and injection.
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Special Instructions
- This medicine should not be taken by anyone who has the following conditions:
- Ischemic heart disease
- Angina
- Prinzmetal's angina
- History of heart attack
- History of stroke
- Ischemic bowel disease
- Intermittent claudication
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Severe liver disease
- Certain types of migraines
Tell your child's doctor if your child has any of these conditions:
- Tell the physician if your child is pregnant before giving this medicine.
- The injection should be given into the muscle as directed, not into the blood system.
- Use the nasal spray as directed by the physician and package instructions. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about proper use.
- Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush.
- Inform your child's doctor or pharmacist about any prescription medicines or any over-the-counter medicines that your child is taking, especially any monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the last 14 days, or any other medicine used to treat the migraine in the last 24 hours.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
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If a Dose is Missed
For any medication information about your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, call the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side Effects
Call your child's doctor if the following effects continue or are bothersome:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Tingling, warm sensation with flushing
- Chest tightness, pressure, or heaviness immediately after the dose
- Bad taste
- Pain at injection site
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Warning Signs
Contact your child's doctor if any of the following occur:
- Tightness in the chest that doesn't go away
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- No relief of headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme tiredness, fainting, or dizziness
- Rash
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5168 5/01
Rev. 10/05, 8/07
