✅ Prescription / Indication:
Sumatriptan 50 mg tablets are prescription medications used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults.
They:
- Relieve headache pain, nausea, photophobia (light sensitivity), and phonophobia (sound sensitivity)
- Are not for prevention of migraines
- Are not effective for other types of headaches (e.g., tension-type or cluster headaches)
📄 Description:
- Generic Name: Sumatriptan succinate
- Strength: 50 mg (oral tablet)
- Form: Film-coated tablet
- Drug Class: Selective 5-HT₁B/1D receptor agonist (Triptan)
- Common Brands: Imitrex®, Suminat®, Sumitrex®, Migranex®, etc.
Mechanism of Action:
- Activates serotonin (5-HT₁B/1D) receptors in the brain
- Causes vasoconstriction of dilated cranial blood vessels
- Blocks pain pathway signals and reduces inflammation of trigeminal nerve endings
🌟 Advantages:
- Offers quick migraine relief, typically within 30 to 60 minutes
- Moderate-strength dose (often a starting point before escalating to 100 mg if needed)
- Can reduce the need for other painkillers
- Often effective for moderate to severe migraines
- Available in tablet, nasal spray, and injection forms
🔬 Nature:
- Therapeutic Class: Antimigraine agent
- Onset of Action: 30–60 minutes
- Peak Effect: ~2 hours
- Half-life: ~2 hours
- Not a preventive medication
📦 Common Package:
- Blister packs of 2, 4, 6, or 10 tablets
- Tablets are often white or pink, round or oval, and film-coated
- Labeled with dosage strength and brand name
🧊 Storage Conditions:
- Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in original packaging
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice / Precautions:
✅ Do:
- Take at the first sign of a migraine attack
- May take a second tablet after 2 hours, if migraine returns
- Maximum daily dose: 200 mg
- Swallow whole with water (can be taken with or without food)
- Inform your doctor of any heart problems, hypertension, or medications
❌ Avoid:
- Taking more than 2 doses (100 mg) in 24 hours
- Taking with other triptans or ergotamine medications within 24 hours
- Using in patients with:
- History of heart attack or stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Peripheral vascular disease