Imigran

What is it?

A preparation which is a 5HT agonist available as long, pink or white, film-coated tablets containing 50mg or 100mg of sumatriptan (as succinate), marked with name and strength. Also, IMIGRAM NASAL SPRAY, a single dose spray delivering 20mg of sumatriptan per 0.1ml. Also, IMGRAN SUBJECT, available as a solution in pre-prepared syringes containing 6mg of sumatriptan as succinate per 0.5ml.

Medical Uses

Acute attacks of migraine which may be accompanied by aura, when the diagnosis is certain. Injection is Also, used for cluster headaches.

Dosage

Adults, tablets, 50 to 100mg as soon as possible after attack starts which may be repeated after at least 2 hours if condition improves, but should not exceed 300mg in 24 hours. If migraine does not respond in first instance, a repeat dose should not be taken. Nasal spray, 1 spray into one side of nose as soon as possible after migraine starts; dose maybe repeated after at least 2 hours if migraine improved in first instance. Maximum dose is 2 sprays in 24 hours and a second dose should not be given if there is no response to the first one. Injection, 6mg by subcutaneous injection as soon as possible after attack begins which may be repeated after 1 hour if condition improves. The maximum dose is 12mg in 24 hours. Injection, 1 6mg dose by subcutaneous injection as soon as possible after start of symptoms, which may be repeated after at least 1 hour if migraine responds. The maximum dose is 2 injections in 24 hours and a second injection should not be given if there has been no response to the first one.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, liver or kidney disease, heart disease - patients require assessment before drug is prescribed. Sensitivity to sulphonamide drugs, high blood pressure which is under control. Ability to drive or operate machinery is likely to be impaired.

Avoid Use

Children, elderly persons, patients with history of heart attack, heart spasm, uncontrolled mild high blood pressure or moderate to severe high blood pressure, Prinzmetal's angina, severe liver disorders, transient ischaemic attack, disease of peripheral circulation.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Ergotamine, 5-HT re-uptake inhibitors (an antidepressant group), MAOIs.

Known Side Effects

Blood pressure rise, flushing, tiredness, feeling of heaviness and pressure, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, slight disturbance of liver function. Rarely, allergic reactions, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, severe coronary disturbance, pain at injection site, Raynaud's phenomenon, disturbance of vision, ischaemic colitis, short-lived bitter taste in mouth with spray. Drug should be withdrawn if there is pain in chest or throat or other symptoms of angina and cause investigated.