Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a medicine to overcome one sided headache attack (migraine). In addition, injectable sumatriptan can also be used to overcome cluster headaches . This drug is used to relieve symptoms and cannot prevent the occurrence of migraine or cluster headaches.

Although the exact cause of migraines is not yet known, it is believed that this condition occurs when serotonin levels decrease and there are temporary changes in blood vessels and nerve cells.

Sumatriptan works by affecting serotonin receptors and nerve cells in the brain, so that migraine complaints and cluster headaches can subside.

Generally, sumatriptan is given when other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are not effective in relieving migraine or cluster headaches .

Sumatripan trademark: Triptagic

What is Sumatriptan

Precautions Before Using Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that should be considered before using this medicine, among others:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Sumatriptan should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are or have recently been treated with other antimigraine drugs, such as ergotamine or with antidepressants, such as MAOIs or SSRIs. Sumatriptan should not be used together with these drugs
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from heart disease , stroke, peripheral artery disease , severe liver disease, or uncontrolled hypertension. Sumatriptan should not be used by patients with these conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you have a smoking habit , have gone through menopause , or are currently or have suffered from diabetes, high cholesterol , seizures, epilepsy , or obesity .
• Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after using sumatriptan because this drug causes dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• If you are planning to undergo surgery or certain medical procedures, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor that you are using sumatriptan.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using sumatriptan.

Dosage and Administration of Sumatriptan

The dose of sumatriptan is given based on the form of the drug, the condition, and the patient's response to treatment. In general, the following is the dose of sumatriptan for adults over 18 years old based on the form of the medicine:

Sumatriptan tablets

• Condition: Migraine

Dose of 50–100 mg, can be repeated in 2 hour intervals if the migraine recurs. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.

Sumatriptan injection

• Condition: Migraine or cluster headache

Dose 6 mg in one injection. The dose can be repeated at least 1 hour after the first injection if the symptoms are still present. The maximum dose is 12 mg per day.

How to Use Sumatriptan Correctly

Follow your doctor 's advice and read the instructions for use on the package before using sumatriptan. Do not increase or decrease the dose of medicine without first consulting a doctor.

Injectable sumatriptan is only given in a hospital by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will inject sumatriptan subcutaneously, ie into the lower layer of the skin.

Sumatriptan tablets can be consumed before or after meals, or according to the doctor's advice. This drug is intended to relieve migraine symptoms and not to prevent migraines. If the symptoms do not improve, do not consume this medicine more than the dose recommended by the doctor.

In patients who are at risk of developing heart disease, a heart examination, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) will be performed before therapy begins. The first dose will generally be given in the hospital so that any side effects that occur can be monitored.

Store sumatriptan tablets in a closed container in a cool place. Do not store it in a humid place or exposed to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Sumatriptan Interactions with Other Drugs

Some drug interaction effects that can occur if sumatriptan is used with other drugs are:

• Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if used with opioid drugs, such as methadone , antiemetic drugs, such as granisetron , or MAOI , SSRI, or SNRI antidepressant drugs
• Increased risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke, if used with bromocriptine or ergotamine

In addition, if sumatriptan is used together with herbal medicine, such as St. John 's Wort , can increase the risk of side effects.

Side Effects and Dangers of Sumatriptan

Some of the side effects that can appear after using sumatriptan are drowsiness , tiredness or weakness, a feeling of warmth in the chest, face, or neck ( flushing ), or vomiting .

For injectable preparations, other side effects that can occur are tingling , numbness, stiff neck, or redness and pain in the injection area.

Check with your doctor if the side effects that have been mentioned above do not subside or actually get worse. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic reaction to the drug occurs or more serious side effects appear, such as:

• Blood flow disorders in the legs that can be marked by certain symptoms, such as muscle cramps, muscle weakness, cold feet, bluish color of the legs, or hip pain
• Heart disorders that can be marked by the appearance of a heart attack , irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath
• Serotonin syndrome that can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as restlessness, hallucinations, high body temperature, fast heart rate , fainting, or nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea
• High blood pressure ( hypertension ) that can be marked by certain symptoms, such as severe headaches, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears
• A stroke that can be marked by the appearance of certain symptoms, such as weakness on one side, pelo, or loss of consciousness