Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Sumatriptan nasal

Sumatriptan nasal Drug Category SUMATRIPTAN - NASAL SPRAY

Sumatriptan nasal Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. SUMATRIPTAN - NASAL SPRAY (sue-muh-TRIP-tan) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Imitrex USES: This medication is used to treat migraine headache attacks once they occur. It is not effective in preventing migraines. This medication is not to be used for other types of headaches. HOW TO USE: Review the information sheet in the product package for full details of use. The usual dose is one spray into one nostril as the headache occurs. If the headache returns, a second spray may be used anytime after at least two hours pass from the first dose as directed. Use of more than 40 mg in one day is not recommended. Follow your MD and pharmacist directions exactly. SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially cause flushing, dizziness, weakness, nausea, drowsiness, stiffness, or feelings of tingling, heat or cold and fatigue. Burning, numbness or soreness of the nose infrequently occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly if you develop: tightness or pressure in any part of the body, chest pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart disease (or family history), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes, diabetes, tobacco smoking, kidney disease, liver disease. There have been rare reports of those with sulfa drug allergies having allergic reactions to sumatriptan. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Since this medication may cause drowsiness, use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol use, which can aggravate drug side effects. The manufacturer does not recommend use of sumatriptan in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to its side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: ergotamine- containing medication, other drugs for prevention or treatment of headaches, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Do not take MAO inhibitors with sumatriptan or use sumatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping use of MAO inhibitors. Do not take any ergotamine-containing medication and sumatriptan within 24 hours of each other. Also, report the use of all antidepressants or any medications used for weight control. If you are unsure about the types of medications you take, ask your care provider or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tremor, chest pain, slowed breathing, and seizures. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: Take this medication only when a migraine attack occurs as directed. This is not taken routinely. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.