Sumatriptan Tablet (Imigran): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Sumatriptan Tablet (Imigran) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Sumatriptan Tablet? (Sumatriptan Tablet kya hai)

Sumatriptan Tablet (brand: Imigran) is a prescription migraine medicine belonging to the triptan drug class. Its active ingredient, Sumatriptan, works by binding to 5-HT1B receptors on cranial blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction of dilated meningeal arteries, and by acting on 5-HT1D receptors to inhibit trigeminal nerve pain transmission and reduce neurogenic inflammation — aborting the migraine attack. It is an acute treatment only; it does not prevent migraines.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Acute migraine attacks with or without aura
• Cluster headache (nasal spray/injection forms more commonly used for this indication)

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adults diagnosed with migraine who experience moderate-to-severe headache attacks
• Patients for whom NSAIDs or paracetamol provide insufficient relief during migraine attacks
• Those prescribed Imigran specifically by a neurologist or GP for acute migraine management

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you have coronary artery disease (CAD), history of heart attack (MI), or angina
• If you have had a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke)
• If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• If you have Prinzmetal's angina or peripheral vascular disease
• If you are currently taking or have recently taken MAO inhibitors (CONTRAINDICATED)
• If you are allergic to Sumatriptan or any ingredient in Imigran
• Children under 18 — do not use without specialist guidance

6. Dosage

• As prescribed by your doctor; typically 50mg at onset of headache phase

• 50mg or 100mg orally at onset of headache (not aura); dose depends on severity and response

• Maximum 2 doses in 24 hours; second dose only if initial dose worked but headache returned (do not take second dose if first had no effect without doctor advice)

• Sumatriptan is taken only when needed (acute treatment) — there is no scheduled dose to miss. If there is no benefit in one attack, consult a doctor before the next attack.

7. How to Take

• Take at the onset of headache — not during the aura (less effective during aura phase)

• Swallow the tablet whole with water

• With or without food

• If the first dose does not work, do not take a second dose in the same attack without doctor's advice

8. Best Time

• Take as early as possible at headache onset — during the headache phase of migraine

• Taking during the aura is not necessary — less effective

9. Empty Stomach or After Food

Sumatriptan can be taken on an empty stomach or after food. Food may slightly slow absorption but does not significantly affect efficacy. If nausea is part of the migraine, take with a little water.

10. Warnings

• You have coronary artery disease, history of MI or stroke, uncontrolled hypertension, Prinzmetal's angina, or peripheral vascular disease
• You are taking MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline) — CONTRAINDICATED
• You have taken ergotamine or dihydroergotamine in the past 6 hours — additive vasoconstriction risk

Using triptans more than 10 days per month causes MOH (rebound headache) — headache becomes chronic and daily. If you are taking Sumatriptan repeatedly, always consult a doctor.

11. Precautions

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• If chest pain or tightness is experienced for the first time and cardiac disease is unknown — seek emergency evaluation immediately
• Driving: Sumatriptan can cause sedation and dizziness — exercise caution while driving

12. Side Effects

• Chest tightness or pressure
• Flushing (feeling of warmth)
• Tingling or numbness in limbs, face, or jaw
• Heaviness in limbs or jaw
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Nausea

• Coronary vasospasm or myocardial ischaemia — rare but serious in patients with undiagnosed cardiac disease
• Stroke — rare
• Serotonin syndrome
• Hypertensive crisis

13. Drug Interactions

• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline) — CONTRAINDICATED; Sumatriptan toxicity increases greatly
• Ergotamine / dihydroergotamine — do NOT combine or use within 6 hours; additive vasoconstriction — circulation can be compromised
• SSRIs / SNRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine) — serotonin syndrome risk; clinical significance debated but caution is necessary
• Lithium — serotonin syndrome risk
• Blood pressure medications: Sumatriptan causes vasoconstriction — monitor

14. When to See Doctor

• Chest pain, tightness, or breathlessness occurring for the first time — emergency evaluation
• "Worst headache of my life" — subarachnoid haemorrhage must be ruled out; this may not be migraine
• Stroke symptoms: weakness, slurred speech, face drooping, vision loss — seek emergency immediately
• Headache more than 10 days per month — MOH risk; see a doctor
• No benefit from Sumatriptan in 3 attacks — have the diagnosis and treatment plan reviewed

15. Alternatives

16. Price in Pakistan

17. FAQs

Q: When should Sumatriptan be taken for migraine?

A: Take at the onset of the migraine headache phase — not during the aura. The medicine is less effective during the aura phase.

Q: What are the side effects of Sumatriptan?

A: Common side effects include chest tightness, tingling/numbness in the body, feeling of warmth, and nausea. If chest pain occurs and there is no prior cardiac history, see a doctor immediately.

Q: What happens if Sumatriptan is taken too frequently?

A: If Sumatriptan or any triptan is taken more than 10 days per month, medication-overuse headache (rebound headache) can occur. Always consult a doctor.

Q: What is the price of Sumatriptan in Pakistan?

A: Price varies by pharmacy and city. Confirm the updated price at a local pharmacy or dawaai.pk.

Q: What is the difference between Sumatriptan and Paracetamol?

A: Paracetamol is a common pain medicine that works for mild-to-moderate headache. Sumatriptan is specifically targeted for migraine — it constricts dilated blood vessels and blocks trigeminal nerve signals.

18. Medical Review

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.