Suminat Tablet (Sumatriptan)

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a Pain relief medication and Anti-migraine drug used to relieve migraine headaches. It narrows blood vessels around the brain. Sumatriptan also lowers substances in the body that causes migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms of migraine. This medication will only treat a migraine attack; it will not stop or reduce migraine attacks from occurring. It is also known as Suma.

Sumatriptan is sold under various trade names, some of which are Imitrex, Suminat (made by Sun Pharma), and Imigran (made by GSK). This medication is available as tablets, nasal sprays as well as injections. Sumatriptan succinate may also be given for conditions other than migraine headaches.

How it works

Sumatriptan belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the head, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and blocking the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine.

Migraine medication alternatives

If you are looking for alternatives to Suminat tablets (sumatriptan) for the treatment of migraines, there are several other medications available that can be effective in managing migraine symptoms. It's important to note that different medications work differently for individuals, so it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Here are some alternatives to sumatriptan:

Rizatriptan: This medication, as mentioned earlier, belongs to the same class of drugs as sumatriptan (triptans) and is commonly used for the treatment of migraines.

Zolmitriptan: Another triptan medication available in various forms, including tablets, nasal sprays, and orally disintegrating tablets.

Eletriptan: This is a triptan with a longer duration of action compared to sumatriptan. It is available in tablet form.

Naratriptan: It is another triptan that may be suitable for individuals with longer-lasting migraines. It is available in tablet form.

Almotriptan: This triptan is available in tablet form and may be useful for individuals who experience migraines with prolonged aura.

Prophylactic medications: If you have frequent or severe migraines, your healthcare provider may prescribe preventive medications such as beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), or anti-seizure medications (e.g., topiramate) to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Sumatriptan Tablet Uses

Sumatriptan is used in the treatment of acute migraine attacks with or without aura (symptoms shortly before headache). The symptoms of migraine may be caused by a temporary widening of blood vessels in the head.

Important Information and Precautions about Sumatriptan Tablet

• Sumatriptan pain relief/anti-migraine medicine (Imitrex, Suminat, Imigran) is not to be used for a common tension headache. It must be taken only after a doctor has confirmed that your headache is indeed a migraine headache. This medication will only treat a migraine attack; it will not stop or reduce migraine attacks from occurring. Imitrex medication is not recommended for someone below 18 years or above 65 years of age.
• Sumatriptan anti-migraine medication is not recommended for you if you are allergic to it if you have a history of heart disease (coronary heart disease or angina), a history of heart attack or stroke, blood circulation problems, lack of blood supply to the heart, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe liver disease, ischemic bowel disease, or if your headache feels unusual (different from a usual migraine headache).
• Do not take Sumatriptan within a 24-hour interval before or after using another anti-migraine medication like Sumatriptan injection, rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan, or others; or ergot medications like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methylergonovine. Do not take Sumatriptan if you have used any of these MAO inhibitor medications in the last 14 days: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or furazolidone.
• Also inform your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine.
• Remember to allow a gap of at least 2 hours between two tablets or nasal sprays of Sumatriptan. A maximum dosage limit of 200mg for tablet form and 40 mg for a nasal spray of this medication per 24 hours has been set.
• Sumatriptan succinate is an FDA pregnancy category C drug which means that its effect on an unborn baby is not known when taken during pregnancy. This medication can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant in the near future, or are nursing a child. You must take this medication only if he or she decides whether it is safe for you and your baby. If you do take it while breastfeeding, ensure a gap of 12 hours between the medicine and breastfeeding.

Before taking Sumatriptan Tablet

Remember to discuss all the points mentioned above with your doctor and take all the necessary precautions that are also mentioned above before taking Sumatriptan pain relief/anti-migraine medication(Imitrex, Suminat, Imigran).
Before using Imitrex medication, notify your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: liver or kidney disease, seizures, high blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, a heart rhythm condition, coronary artery disease (or risk factors such as diabetes, menopause, smoking, overweight or obesity, high triglyceride levels, having a family history of coronary artery disease, above 40 years of age, or a woman who has had a hysterectomy). Some of these conditions may not warrant the use of this medication. Your doctor will also weigh these conditions with the safe usage of this medication and decide if it is safe for you or not.

How should I take Sumatriptan Tablet?

Take Sumatriptan anti-migraine medication (Imitrex, Suminat, Imigran) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer to the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Overuse of anti-migraine medication will make your migraines worse.
Take Sumatriptan immediately or as soon as possible after your notice headache symptoms, or after a migraine attack has already started. You may be given this medication under medical supervision initially to check if it causes any severe side effects.
Take one whole Sumatriptan succinate tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush or break the tablet. In the case of Sumatriptan nasal spray, read the instructions that are included in the patient leaflet for safe and effective use. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using the spray, clear your nose and resist any blowing or sneezing just after using the spray. If your headache doesn’t subside completely even after taking this medication or relapses after going away, take another dose after 2 hours. Do not exceed the limit of 200mg of Sumatriptan oral tablets and 40mg in case of the spray in 24 hours. If your condition doesn’t improve further, seek immediate medical attention. You must also tell your doctor if you have more than four migraine attacks within 30 days.
In the case of the Sumatriptan injection, it is very easy to use the auto-injection device which lets you self-inject the medication into your thigh or deltoid area (shoulder joint). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to use the auto-injection device.

What to do in case of an Overdose?

In case of an overdose of Sumatriptan, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may lead to symptoms like tremors or shaking, redness on the skin, breathing problems, blue-colored lips or fingernails, watery eyes or mouth, weakness, lack of coordination, or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking Sumatriptan?

Do not take Sumatriptan within a 24-hour interval before or after using another anti-migraine medication like Sumatriptan injection, rizatriptan, eletriptan, zolmitriptan, or others; or ergot medications like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methylergonovine. Do not take Sumatriptan if you have used any of the following MAO inhibitor medications in the last 14 days: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or furazolidone.
Sumatriptan Tablets may make you dizzy thereby impacting your thinking capability and reflexes. Do not indulge in activities like driving, using heavy machinery or any other activity that requires great attention and mental alertness unless you are absolutely sure that you can do it safely.

Side Effects of Sumatriptan

A serious side effect due to Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Suminat, Imigran) usage is rare. However, few people may experience some serious side effects like blue-colored nails, coldness in hands or feet, hearing changes, seizures, or mood changes. This medication may increase the level of serotonin in the body and rarely cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome or toxicity. The risk of this happening increases if you take other drugs that increase serotonin. Call your doctor right away if you get any serious side effects due to this medication.

Some of the common side effects of Sumatriptan Succinate are flushing, tingling sensation, numbness, prickling, warm feeling, chest/jaw/neck tightness, weakness, drowsiness, or giddiness. If any of these conditions persist or deteriorate, get immediate medical attention.
The side effects that are listed above are not a complete set of side effects due to Sumatriptan. You may experience some other side effects.

Sumatriptan Dosing Information

Sumatriptan dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for the best outcome.

Suminat Tablet (Sumatriptan) Interaction with Other Drugs

Some antidepressant drugs can interact with Sumatriptan. Inform your doctor if you are already taking an antidepressant such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine. Also, let your doctor know about all other medications and related products that you may be using. Never start a new medication without thorough medical screening and advice.

Expert advice

• Take sumatriptan as soon as your headache starts. Do not drive because you may feel sleepy or dizzy while being treated with sumatriptan.
• If your symptoms do not improve after you take sumitriptan, do not take a second tablet without calling your doctor.
• Limit alcoholic beverages.
• Do not start or continue the sumatriptan tablets and consult your doctor:
• If you have an intolerance to some sugars because this medicine contains lactose (a type of sugar).
• If you have a kidney or liver problem or epilepsy.
• If you are considered to have risk factors for developing heart disease such as a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and overweight.
• If you have symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pains or a feeling of pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, or a history of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking.
• If you use medicines belonging to the group known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).
• If you are smoking regularly or you are a man over 40 years old or a postmenopausal woman.

Frequently asked questions:

Suminat Tablet (Sumatriptan)

Q. Is sumatriptan a blood thinner or beta blocker or anti-inflammatory/NSAID?

No, sumatriptan is not a blood thinner or beta blocker, or anti-inflammatory/NSAID.

Q. Is sumatriptan useful for routine headaches or sinus headaches/tension headaches/hangovers?

No, sumatriptan is not useful for routine headaches or sinus headaches or tension headaches, or hangovers. It is used in the treatment of acute migraine attacks.

Q. Is sumatriptan, Suminat, or Imitrex safe during pregnancy?

Sumatriptan, Suminat, or Imitrex should only be given during pregnancy when the need has been clearly established. Please consult your doctor before taking the drug.

Q. Is sumatriptan available over the counter?

No, sumatriptan is not available without a prescription.

Q. Can I take sumatriptan with acetaminophen (paracetamol), aspirin, diclofenac, or penicillin?

Yes, you can take sumatriptan with acetaminophen (paracetamol), aspirin, diclofenac, or penicillin. Please follow the advice of the doctor regarding their simultaneous use.

Q. Can I take Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine) with Imitrex (sumatriptan) for migraine?

There is no evidence of any interaction between Excedrin and Imitrex. But please follow the advice of the doctor regarding their simultaneous use.

Q. Does sumatriptan cause hair loss, weight gain, joint pain, or rebound headache?

Overdose of sumatriptan may cause hair loss, but it is not known to cause weight gain, joint pain or rebound headache.