Sumatriptan: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Sumatriptan is a triptan medicine for migraine. It is a prescription medicine used for migraine attacks and cluster headache. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Sumatriptan works

Sumatriptan acts on serotonin (5-HT1) receptors around the blood vessels and nerves of the head. It narrows the widened blood vessels thought to contribute to migraine pain and reduces the release of chemicals from nerve endings that trigger pain and inflammation.

What is Sumatriptan used for?

• Migraine attacks and cluster headache

Sumatriptan is used to relieve migraine attacks, with or without aura, once the headache has started. It eases the head pain and can also help with the nausea and sensitivity to light and sound that often come with migraine. Injectable and nasal forms are also used for cluster headache. It is not used to prevent migraines or for ordinary tension headaches.

Side effects of Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan often causes short-lived sensations soon after it is taken. Common side effects include:

• Tingling or a feeling of warmth
• Flushing
• Heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest or throat
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea

Get emergency help if you have chest pain or tightness that is severe or does not settle, sudden weakness or numbness, or swelling of the face or throat. Seek help quickly for agitation, fever, shaking and a fast heartbeat.

Precautions and warnings

• Do not use it if you have coronary heart disease, have had a heart attack or stroke, or have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Tell your doctor if you take antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs or MAOIs, or ergotamine-type migraine medicines.
• Using migraine medicines too often can lead to medication-overuse headache, so let your doctor know if you need it on many days each month.
• It can cause drowsiness, so do not drive if affected.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Sumatriptan.

Frequently asked questions about Sumatriptan

What is the price of Sumatriptan in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Sumatriptan products currently in stock range from Rs 389 to Rs 983 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Sumatec Tablet at Rs 389. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Sumatriptan are available in Pakistan?

Sumatriptan is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Imigran (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd) and Sumatec (Platinum Pharmaceuticals Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Sumatriptan?

Yes. Sumatriptan is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Sumatriptan be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Sumatriptan.

Are all Sumatriptan brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Sumatriptan in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Sumatriptan brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Sumatriptan from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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