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Drug

Sumatriptan Succinate

Pronounced

"SOO-ma-TRIP-tan"

Uses

Sumatriptan is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headache, pain, and other migraine symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound). Prompt treatment helps you return to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Sumatriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. It affects a certain natural substance (serotonin) that narrows blood vessels in the brain. It may also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain.

Sumatriptan does not prevent future migraines or lessen how often you get migraine attacks.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using sumatriptan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication at the first sign of a migraine as directed by your doctor, usually 1 nosepiece in each nostril. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. Remember to blow with your mouth into the device to deliver medication into your nose.

If your symptoms do not get better, do not use more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are only partly better, or if your headache comes back, you may use another dose at least 2 hours after the first dose. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more than 44 milligrams/4 nosepieces in a 24-hour period.

If you have a higher risk for heart problems (see Precautions section), your doctor may do a heart exam before you start using sumatriptan. He/she may also direct you to use your first dose of this medication in the office/clinic to watch for serious side effects (such as chest pain). Talk to your doctor for details.

If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.