Sumatriptan Flashcards
Sumatriptan - Drug class
Serotonin 5-HT-1 Receptor Agonists
serotonin 5HT1-R agonist
Sumatriptan - Indication
- First-line migraine treatment (oral sumatriptan)
2. Acute treatment of cluster headaches (SC triptan + 100% high flow oxygen)
Sumatriptan - Adverse effects (common)
1) Pain/discomfort in throat and chest lasting a few seconds
2) nausea +/- vomiting
3) tiredness
4) dizziness
Sumatriptan - Adverse effects (rare)
MI
Sumatriptan - Contraindications (completely avoid)
History of:
1) Coronary Artery Disease (Angina, MI)
2) Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)
3) Hemiplegic and basilar migraines
Sumatriptan - Interactions
DO NOT USE WITH:
any drug which promote serotonin release due to risk of serotonin syndrome risk
1) SSRIs (e.g.- citalopram, fluoxetine)
2) Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.- amitriptyline)
Sumatriptan - Patient communication
1) Patients should take it as soon as symptoms begin - they can take another sumatriptan if needed ONLY IF the migraine goes away with the first dose and then comes back (if migraine does not stop with first dose, do not take another dose)
2) Advise that they can take paracetamol/nsaids in addition if required
3) Sumatriptan does NOT prevent migraine attacks
4) Advise patient to come back if they are experiencing frequent migraine attacks so that prophylaxis can be considered
Which drug is used for prophylaxis of migraines and when should these be considered?
Propranolol (or other beta-blockers) - If ≥2 attacks/month
if BBs contraindicated: Topiramate (or amitriptyline)
note - topiramate is CI in CAD
When should sumatriptan be considered
When simple analgesia alone is insufficient
How is migraine managed in 12-17 year olds
1st line
Oral Analgesia –> Paracetamol OR NSAID
If non-effective –> Nasal spray Triptan (Sumatriptan)
Sumatriptan - administration
ORAL
Tablets should be swallowed whole with water
NASAL
Blow nose first
Insert nozzle into one nostril and block the other nostril
Push plunger whilst breathing in through nose
