Imitrex

Imitrex General Information

Generic Name: sumatriptan

Brand Names: Imitrex; Imitrex nasal

Imitrex is a medicine for the treatment of headache. It is claimed that its working principle is to narrowing the blood vessels around the brain. It is also believed to reduce the substances in the body that may enhance migraine symptoms like headache pain, nausea sensitivity to light and sound. Imitrex tablets and nasal spray are used to treat migraine treatment. However, Imitrex cannot prevent headache or reduce the number of attacks. It can treat headaches only that has already started.

Imitrex Uses

Imitrex should not be used if the person to be treated is allergic to sumatriptan or he is suffering from ischemic bowel syndrome, severe liver disease, high blood pressure or record of heart disease, angina, circulation, heart attack, or stroke. If MAOI has been taken, Imitrex should not be taken after that before 14 day lapses in between. Imitrex can cause serious side effects on the heart and may cause heart attack or stroke. In certain conditions, this medication needs dose adjustments which the doctor will take care or arrange safety tests to safely use Imitrex. The doctor should knowif the patient has any of these disease before permitting the use of Imitrex: Epilepsy or other seizure disorders, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, coronary artery disease

Further, it is not be known whether this medication to an unborn baby

This medication should not be taken by any pregnant lady without doctor's approval. The lady going for this medication, must tell the doctor whether she is pregnant or just intending to become pregnant. Sumatriptan can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The doctor must be told about any nursing mother is breast feeding her child or not, to decide about permitting this medication to her. This medication should not be given to anybody less than 18 years or more than 65years of age.

How Take Imitrex

The medication should be used as prescribed. It should not be used for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed by the director. Prescription label instructions to be followed since overuse of migraine headache medicine can make the matter worse. Imitrex should immediately be taken as soon as headache symptoms are noticed. Doctor may like to see the side effects after first dose of Imitrex is taken before following up the medication. One tablet of Imitrex to be taken with a full glass of water and the tablet should not be splitted. After taking the first tablet, if the headache has not subsided properly, the second tablet may be taken after 2 hours of the first intake. Not to be more than 200mg of the Imitrex oral tablet to be taken in a day. If still the symptoms have not improved, contact the doctor before taking more tablets. Imitrex nasal spray comes with instruction for safe and effective use for the patients. It should followed duly and any doubts can be clarified by talking to the doctor, pharmacist. Blow the nose before taking the nasal spray. Not more than 40 mg of imitrax nasal spray to be used ina day.If no improvements are seen, then get in touch with the doctor before using any further medication. Also, if there are more than 4 headaches in 30 days -the doctor's advice must be taken.

Imitrex Warnings

Imitrex should not be taken if the following medicines have been taken with 24hours such as ergot medicines methysergide, ergotamine, ergonovine or almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.

Imitrex may cause side effects that may impair normal reactions and thinking of a person. Persons under this medication must be careful in driving where he has to be awake and alert.

Imitrex Missed Dose

Imitrex is used as needed. After taking the first tablet, 2 hours gap is required before the second tablet can be taken. Not more than 200 mg of Imitrex tablets to be taken in 24 hours. Similarly, 2 hours gap is required between two consecutive sprays and a total of 40 mg of Imitrex may be taken in 24 hours.

Imitrex Side Effects

Emergency medical help must be requested in case of the following allergic reactions: breathing difficulty, hive, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat. Medication should be stopped and the Doctor should be called if the following serious side effects are observed:

Fast heartbeats,agitation, muscle stiffness
Sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech or balance
Chest pain, pain spreading to arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating
Stomach pain, nausea, low fever, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea
Seizure or numbness, tingling and pale blue colored appearance of toes and fingers

There may be less serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, warmth or redness under the skin, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, cough, drowsiness, blurred vision, drooling, unusual taste in the mouth after using the nasal spray, burning or numbness and pain or irritation in the nose after using nasal spray,

However, this is not a complete list of side effects and there may be others that may occur.

Imitrex Storage Advice

Imitrex must be stored in room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.

Imitrex Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention if overdose of the medication has been taken or anyone else has accidentally swallowed it.

Overdose symptoms include tremors, shaking, skin redness, breathing problems, finger nails or lips may show blue color, watery eyes or mouth, lack of coordination, weakness, or seizure.

Imitrex More Information

Pharmacist can be the source of more information about Imitrexsince the additional information about Imitrexwritten to health professional, may be a source of additional information. One must take additional care to keep the medicines out of reach from children, never share the medicine with others and use the medication only for the indication prescribed.