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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.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

• For subcutaneous use only (2.1) • Acute treatment of migraine: single dose of 1 to 6 mg (2.1) • Acute treatment of cluster headache: single dose of 6 mg (2.1) • Maximum dose in a 24-hour period: 12 mg, separate doses by at least 1 hour (2.1) • Patients receiving doses other than 4 or 6 mg: Use the 6-mg single-dose vial (2.3) 2.1 Dosing Information The maximum single recommended adult dose of Sumatriptan injection, USP for the acute treatment of migraine or cluster headache is 6 mg injected subcutaneously. For the treatment of migraine, if side effects are dose limiting, lower doses (1 mg to 5 mg) may be used [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. For the treatment of cluster headache, the …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-09-28. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

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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