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Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan, the active ingredient in Imitrex, is listed in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets for treating acute Migraine attacks and Cluster Headache.

Imitrex

Migraine, Cluster Headache

25mg · 50mg · 100mg

Sumatriptan tablets for migraine and cluster headaches. It narrows brain blood vessels and calms the inflammation behind the pain.

From$3.95/ tabletView

Key points

  • Sumatriptan is a triptan (selective serotonin receptor agonist) that acts on 5-HT receptors to reduce pain signal transmission during an attack.
  • It treats symptoms once an attack has started; it does not prevent migraines or reduce how often they occur.
  • Not suitable if you have heart disease, a history of stroke, angina or circulation problems.

How does Sumatriptan work?

Sumatriptan, part of the Pain & Anti-inflammatories range, binds to 5-HT receptors (serotonin receptors) on the nerves running from your brain to your head. This means sumatriptan reduces pain signal transmission and stops the release of natural substances that cause the throbbing, nausea and light sensitivity of a migraine attack. The medicine tightens blood vessels in the head, though this effect is not thought to be what relieves the symptoms.

Further reading