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Triptan (5-HT1 agonist) / Antimigraine

Sumatriptan

Brand names: Imigran, Migraitan

Used in: Headache & Migraine

Sumatriptan is a triptan used for acute migraine and cluster headache; it is for treating attacks, not for prevention.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist that constricts cranial blood vessels and inhibits release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is contraindicated in ischaemic heart disease, previous myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, because of vasoconstriction.
  • Take it early in the headache phase; overuse can cause medication-overuse headache.
  • Use caution with other serotonergic drugs.

Monitoring

Review attack frequency and response, and watch for medication-overuse headache.

Counselling the patient

  • Take it as soon as the migraine headache (not the aura) begins.
  • Do not exceed the recommended number of doses in a day or month.
  • Report chest tightness or pain.

Evidence & guidelines

A first-line acute migraine treatment, often combined with an NSAID or antiemetic, per NICE CG150.

Reference: NICE NG150 Headaches; SIGN 155 Migraine; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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