Sumatriptan

Question 1

Indication of sumatriptan

Answer 1

Acute treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults aged 18-65 years old

Question 2

When is sumatriptan appropriate?

Answer 2

• History of 5 or more migraine attacks
• First attack should have occured more than 12 months ago
• Other treatments were unsuccessful

Question 3

How to take sumatriptan?

Answer 3

As soon as possible after onset of headache or at any stage during headache.
Single 50mg tablet
- If there is a response to first tablet within 30 minutes but symptoms recur, then a second tablet can be taken after 2 hours
No more than 2 tablets within 24 hours
If there is no response, then a second tablet should not be taken

Question 4

Caution with sumatriptan

Answer 4

Can cause drowsiness so driving and skilled tasks should be avoided

Question 5

Drug interactions of sumatriptan

Answer 5

• Triptans should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Avoid St. John’s wort
• SSRI’s and Tricyclic antidepressants - check with GP