Sumatriptan Succinate (Imitrex) Uses

Sumatriptan is used for the acute treatment of migraine headaches. This medication does not prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

There may be other uses of sumatriptan, such as to treat cluster headaches—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Sumatriptan Succinate (Imitrex) Mechanism of Action

Sumatriptan can relieve pain from a migraine attack by activating serotonin receptors, which helps to block pain signals. It also narrows blood vessels in the head and stops the release of certain naturally occurring substances that cause headache pain, nausea, and other migraine symptoms.

Sumatriptan Succinate (Imitrex) Doses

Sumatriptan is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablets 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg for oral treatment
• Dose pack with 9 tablets each of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg
• Nasal spray 5 mg and 20 mg
• Syringes (Imitrex injection) 6 mg/0.5 mL
• Subcutaneous sumatriptan auto-injectors of 4 mg/0.5 mL and 6 mg/0.5 mL

The usual dose of sumatriptan tablets is 25 mg to 100 mg by mouth at the first sign of a migraine attack. You can repeat the dose after 2 hours or more if your symptoms improve but then come back. However, do not repeat the dose if your symptoms do not improve after the first dose. Call your doctor for instructions. Do not take more than 200 mg of sumatriptan in 24 hours.