Sumatriptan
Also known as: Imigran
What it's for
Sumatriptan treats migraine attacks. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain signals. Take it as soon as your migraine starts for best effect.
Comes as: Tablets, nasal spray, or injection
How to take it
- Tablets: Usually 50mg at the start of a migraine, may take another after 2 hours.
- Maximum 300mg in 24 hours.
- Nasal spray: Usually 10mg or 20mg.
- Do not use to prevent migraines - only to treat attacks.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Tingling, warmth, or heaviness in any part of your body
- Flushing
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Feeling sick
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Not for use in hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- Do not take if you have heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Wait 24 hours after taking ergotamine medicines
- Do not use more than 2 days per week regularly (can cause medication overuse headache)
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have chest pain, tightness, or pressure
- You have sudden severe stomach pain
- You have weakness on one side of your body
- You have changes in vision
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.