The active ingredient sumatriptan is contained in medications used to treat acute migraine attacks or cluster headaches. On the one hand, the drug constricts the blood vessels during a migraine; on the other hand, it inhibits pain transmission.
What is sumatriptan?
The active ingredient sumatriptan is found in medications used to treat acute migraine attacks or cluster headaches. Sumatriptan is classified as a member of the triptans group of medications. It is used to combat migraine attacks with or without aura and to treat cluster headaches. The active ingredient can be administered in the form of tablets, suppositories, nasal spray or injections. As an injection solution, the drug is primarily suitable for cluster headache. Suppositories are available for patients who suffer from nausea and vomiting during an attack. Sumatriptan treatment must follow strict guidelines regarding both the maximum daily dose and the dosing interval. It is recommended that therapy with sumatriptan be carried out under the supervision of a physician. However, the drug can also be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription. Since 2013, the drug has been partially released from the prescription requirement. This legal change allows patients to self-supply themselves with the desired migraine medication.
Pharmacologic action
Sumatriptan’s mechanism of action is based on both inhibition of neurogenic inflammation and constriction of vessels dilated by the migraine itself. The signs of most migraine headaches result from temporary swelling of the blood vessels. Sumatriptan-containing preparations specifically relieve only the discomfort caused by a migraine or in cluster headache. Other types of pain are not affected. In the body, sumatriptan travels through the bloodstream to the brain. There, it activates a specific receptor called the 5-HT1 receptor. As a result, the vessels are constricted by the stimulation. It also prevents the increased release of inflammatory messenger substances by nerve cells. The efficacy of sumatriptans has been scientifically proven. Around 50 to 70 % of patients experience a significant improvement in their symptoms during a migraine attack. In many cases, complete disappearance can be achieved. Sumatriptan’s mode of action does not help headaches that are not caused by migraine. The effectiveness is clearly limited to migraine and cluster headaches. Recurrence of headache within 48 hours is possible.
Medical application and use
Sumatriptan-containing preparations should be used at the first sign of migraine. However, it is not a prophylactic drug that can be taken preventively. Patients can take a single dose of 100mg up to two times a day. It is important to keep a time interval of four hours. Sumatriptan takes effect within 15 minutes of injection. Patients experience relief of symptoms after about 30 minutes when taking tablets. Individuals should be under medical supervision when readjusting to sumatriptan. At the beginning of treatment, the normal dose is 50mg. A maximum dose of 300mg for tablets and 12mg for injections must not be exceeded within 24 hours. In principle, a maximum of six migraine attacks per month may be treated with sumatriptan. In children and adolescents under 18 years of age, other medicines should be used for treatment. Elderly persons over 65 years of age and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also refrain from using sumatriptan. In addition, it should be noted that slight drowsiness may occur during treatment with sumatriptan. As a result, the ability to drive and operate machinery may be impaired.
Risks and Side Effects
Taking the drug causes nausea and vomiting in about 14% of patients. About 5-10% of users also complain of feelings of fatigue, heat, or dizziness. The occurrence of sensory disturbances up to paresthesia and hypesthesia is also possible. Increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, pain or tightness in the chest are also frequently observed. Drowsiness or feelings of heaviness occur rather rarely.According to the latest findings, when taking sumatriptan, there is a warning of angina pectoris symptoms, which can last up to 12 hours in isolated cases. In some cases, therapy with the active substance sumatriptan must not be given. This applies to patients with coronary heart disease, after a myocardial infarction or stroke, with uncontrolled high blood pressure, as well as Raynaud’s syndrome. Special caution should be exercised in patients suffering from impaired hepatic and renal function.
