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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
SUMATRIPTAN - ORAL TABLET (sue-muh-TRIP-tan)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Imitrex
USES: This medication
is used to treat migraine headache attacks once they
occur. It is not effective in preventing migraines.
This medication is not to be used for other types
of headaches.
HOW TO USE: One dose
is taken by mouth at the first signs of a migraine
attack. If you must take a second dose, do so exactly
as instructed by your doctor. Do not take more than
200mg in a 24 hour period. Tablets are to be swallowed
whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew
them.
SIDE EFFECTS: This
medication may initially cause flushing, dizziness,
weakness, nausea, drowsiness, stiffness, or feelings
of tingling, heat, fatigue. If any of these effects
continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction
to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell
your doctor if you have: heart disease, coronary artery
disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease,
liver disease, allergies (especially drug allergies).
There have been rare reports of those with sulfa drug
allergies having allergic reactions to sumatriptan.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Since this medication
may cause drowsiness, use caution operating machinery
or engaging in activities requiring alertness and
avoid alcohol because it may increase drowsiness/dizziness
effects. The manufacturer does not recommend use of
sumatriptan in the elderly, because they may be more
sensitive to its side effects. Sumatriptan should
be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This
medication is excreted into breast milk. The effects
on nursing infants are unknown at this time. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription
medication you take, especially of: ergotamine- containing
medication, all headache drugs, MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine).
Do not take MAO inhibitors with sumatriptan or use
sumatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping use of MAO
inhibitors. Do not take any ergotamine-containing
medication and sumatriptan within 24 hours of each
other. Also, report the use of all antidepressants
or any medications used for weight control. If you
are unsure about the types of medications you take,
ask your care provider or pharmacist. It is recommended
to avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this
medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include tremor, chest pain, slowed breathing,
and seizures.
NOTES: This medication
is used to relieve a migraine attack in progress.
It is not effective in preventing migraine attacks.
MISSED DOSE: Take this medication only when
a migraine attack occurs as directed. This is not
taken routinely. Never "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store this
medication at 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees
F) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
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