Home > Imigran Tablets/Nasal Spray
It is not clear what causes migraine. [1] It is thought that some chemicals in the brain increase in activity, and as a result parts of the brain then send out confused signals which result in the symptoms of migraine.
Although the cause of migraine attacks [1]is not fully understood, it is thought that widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the throbbing pain of migraine headaches. Sumatriptan relieves this pain by causing the blood vessels in the brain to narrow.
Sumatriptan works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. A natural substance called serotonin normally acts on these receptors, causing blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Sumatriptan mimics this action of serotonin by directly stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This narrows the blood vessels and so relieves the pain of migraine headaches [1].
Relieving migraine attacks. [1]
Allergy [2] to medicines from the sulphonamide group, eg the antibiotic [3] sulfamethoxazole.
Controlled high blood pressure (hypertension) [4].
People with risk factors for ischaemic heart disease [5], such as smoking, high cholesterol levels, diabetes [6], obesity, [7] or a family history of heart disease. [5]
Decreased kidney function. [8]
Decreased liver function. [9]
History of seizures eg epilepsy, [10] or people with conditions that increase the risk of seizures, eg head injury, alcoholism.
If you have been supplied the tablets: take one dose as soon as possible at the first sign of an attack, with a drink of water. If your migraine [1]improves but then returns, you may take one further dose, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.
If your migraine [1] is not eased after the first dose of sumatriptan, do not take a second dose for the same attack. You may however take a painkiller such as paracetamol, [11] aspirin [12], or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory preparation [13]such as ibuprofen. [14]
Increase in blood pressure. [4]
Dizziness. [15]
Nausea and vomiting (though these may also be due to the migraine [1]).
Seizures. [10]
Increased or decreased heart rate [17] (tachycardia or bradycardia).
Irregular heart beats [17].
Heart attack. [18]
Alteration in results of liver function tests. [19]
Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands leading to periods of white, painful hands (Raynaud's phenomenom). [20]
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. [21]
Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. [21] You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.
selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [22]
Health Reference: Migraine [24]
Source URL (modified on 2018-12-21 17:43): http://lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/imigran-tabletsnasal-spray
[2] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/health/allergies
[8] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/health/kidney-infection
[10] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/health/epilepsy
[11] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/paracetamol
[12] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/aspirin-nu-seals-75mgs
[13] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids
[14] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/ibuprofen
[17] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/health/heart-arrhythmias
[18] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/health/heart-attack
[20] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/health/raynauds-disease
[22] http://www.lynchspharmacy.com/medicine/seroxat
[24] http://lynchspharmacy.com/health/migraine