Imitrex

Active Ingredients:

• Sumatriptan

How does Imitrex work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Sumatriptan is a specific selective agonist of the 5HT-1d receptors which are localized primarily in the brains blood vessels, the stimulation of the receptors leads to the vessel narrowing. The preparation does not affect other types of serotonin receptors. The clinical effect is monitored within 30 minutes after the oral intake of the preparation.

Which conditions are treated with Sumatriptan?

The drug is used in treatment of acute migraine attack with preceding aura or without it.

The preparation is contraindicated in basilar, hemiplegic and ophthalmoplegic forms of migraines. Consult your doctor before use.

What should a patient know before using Imitrex?

The Sumatriptan should not be used in cases of:

• Specific forms of migraines (ask your doctor for more information)
• Ischemic heart disease
• Occlusive disease of the peripheral vessels
• Cerebrovascular disorders
• Uncontrolled arterial hypertension
• Expressed liver and renal failure
• Pregnancy
• Young patients prior to 18 years and elderly patients after 65 years
• Hypersensitivity to the components of the preparation

The preparation is used with caution in:

• Epilepsy
• Patients with controlled arterial hypertension

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Imitrex include:

• Cardiovascular system: hypotension, bradycardia, increased heartbeat, tachycardia, transitory increase in Arterial pressure, arrhythmia, myocardial infraction, coronary artery spasm, development of Reno syndrome
• Gastrointestinal system: nausea, vomiting, ischemic colitis, abdominal discomfort
• CNS: flushing, dizziness, weakness, somnolence, seizures, diplopia, nystagmus, decreased acuity of vision
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, anaphylaxis
• Other: pain, tingling sensation, heavy feeling, fever sensation

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Sumatriptan?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Ergotamine containing preparations
• MAO inhibitors
• SSRI antidepressants

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Imitrex is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.