Treating Migraines and Cluster Headaches

Sumatriptan is a generic drug sold under brand names Imitrex, Imigran and treximet. It treats migraine and cluster headaches. Prompt treatment help one to return to normal routine. Migraine effects 1 in 8 person, in women and in the age of 30 to 50 years.

HISTORY                                                                                                                                     

Search for new anti-migraine drug started at Gla

xo in 1972. In 1960 studies showed that constriction of vessel could reduce migraine attack. 5-HT drug showed many side effects. Scientist started to discover specific agonist for 5-HT receptors. AH25086 was a compound developed. It showed constriction of vessels. Though it wasn’t released due to low fraction of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation. Studies lead to the discovery of the first triptan drug. Sumatriptan had both criteria. It was first launched in the Netherlands in 1991 and became available in USA in 1993.

MECHANISM

It is a medicine used in migraine and headache. It stimulates the 5-HT1B receptors on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. This narrows blood vessels all over the brain. It reduces the vascular inflammation due to migraine. It work by making those vessels normal by narrowing them. This reduces symptoms of migraine.

DOSAGES

It available in four types: 1. Oral, 2. Injection- under the skin, 3. Nasal spray, 4. Rectal. It is available in following strength.

1. Oral tablets- 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
2. Injection- 4 mg/0.5 ml, 6 mg/0.5 ml, 3 mg/0.5 ml
3. Other method-20 mg/ in h, 5 mg/ in h, 6.5 mg/ 4 hr

The subcutaneous route provide best relief from pain. If case of no effect or no improvement, give a second dose. Difference between two doses should be 2 hour. Maximum recommended dose is 200 mg.

ADVANTAGES

• It is useful to treat migraine
• It relieves headache
• It helps reduces pain
• It treats other migraine symptoms like nausea, vomiting etc
• Helps to return to normal routine due to prompt treatment
• It effects certain natural substance that cause narrowing of blood vessels in the brain
• Effective and tolerable
• Adverse events are mild and moderate
• Adverse effects last for short duration
• Safety records and evidence based prescription instruction
  

SIDE EFFECTS

Some of the common side effects are;

• Dizziness, injection site reaction
• Vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushing sensation
• Tingling sensation
• Unpleasant taste
• Chest discomfort

Major side effects are rare cases. But it is necessary to look for a doctor for any of these symptoms.

• Nerve pain
• Severe numbness on one side of the face or body
• Severe or continuing pain stomach
• Unusual bleeding
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

PRECAUTIONS

It is necessary to Inform doctor in certain cases as given below:

1. Allergy to the ingredient in Sumatriptan
2. History of heart disease, or other blood vessels disease
3. Uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe liver problem
4. If one have used certain other migraine medicines in past 24 hours.
5. History of kidney problem or seizures
6. Women in past menopause
7. Man who is older than 40 years
8. One is overweight

Inform doctor as some medicines can interact with Sumatriptan

COST OF GENERIC VS BRAND DRUG

The cost per pill of Imitrex in USA pharmacy is $5.63 while the generic Sumatriptan is $2.92 that’s almost half the price. This shows that the difference in cost between the Imitrex and Sumatriptan but both provide the same effect.