Sumatriptan
ImitrexPubChem CID 5358 · 3D model
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Narrows blood vessels in the brain and calms overactive pain-signaling nerves to stop a migraine in progress.
How it works
During a migraine, blood vessels around the brain swell and nerves release chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Sumatriptan attaches to specific serotonin receptors on those blood vessels, causing them to tighten back to a normal size. At the same time, it acts on nearby nerve endings to stop them from releasing the chemicals that trigger and worsen the pain. It treats an attack that's already started rather than preventing migraines from happening.
What it’s used for
Used to treat a migraine attack that has already started in adults, including migraines with visual or sensory warning signs. It is not a daily preventive medicine and isn't approved for cluster headaches.
- Mechanism
- Selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- CNS / Neurology