Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is a serotonin receptor agonist used to treat acute migraine and cluster headaches. It works by binding to 5-HT1B/1D receptors on intracranial blood vessels and sensory nerves, causing vasoconstriction and reducing inflammatory signals associated with headaches. This medication is typically used by adults experiencing moderate to severe migraine attacks or cluster headache episodes.
Sumatriptan is a migraine and cluster headache medication that works by activating serotonin receptors to relieve headache pain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02CC01
- RxNorm
- 37418
- Generic
- Sumatriptan
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- Zembrace, Onzetra, Imitrex, Tosymra, Treximet
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, nasal
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, tablet, spray, powder
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 25mg to 100mg as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- maximum 200mg in 24 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not recommended for children under 12 years
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed for acute migraine
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg to 50mg initial dose
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- maximum 200mg in 24 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential uterine vasoconstriction
fetal monitoring in late pregnancy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingreduce frequency
pump and discard breast milk for 12 hours after dosing or avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after administration
monitor infant for sedation, poor feeding or vomiting
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 12 yearsnot recommended
not approved for use in children under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17 yearslower dose recommended
some formulations approved for adolescents 12-17 years; use with caution
monitor for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
over 65 yearsstart with lowest effective dose
use with caution; increased risk of cardiovascular adverse effects; start at lower dose
monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment typically required
use with caution; monitor for adverse effects
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose
use with caution; reduced dose recommended; avoid rapid dose escalation
close monitoring of renal function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose
use with reduced doses; avoid exceeding recommended maximum doses
monitor for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Sumatriptan
Drug class
Triptan class of migraine medications
Primary indication
Approved therapeutic indication
Available formulations
Different delivery methods available
Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults, and acute treatment of cluster headache episodes in adults. It is not used for headache prevention.
Sumatriptan binds to and activates 5-HT1B/1D serotonin receptors on intracranial blood vessels and sensory trigeminal nerves, causing vasoconstriction and inhibiting the release of inflammatory neurotransmitters, thereby relieving headache pain.
Should not be used in patients with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or those taking ergotamine derivatives. Common side effects include sensations of warmth, tingling, flushing, and injection site reactions (for injectable form). Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy