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Sumatriptan

Acute migraine, Cluster headache

Indications

  • Acute migraine
  • Cluster headache

Adult dosing

  • po: dose: 50; unit: mg; route: PO; interval: May repeat 50-100mg in 2h; max 200mg/day; fixed: true; sc: dose: 6; unit: mg; route: SQ; interval: May repeat once in 1h; max 12mg/day; fixed: true; nasal: dose: 20; unit: mg; route: Intranasal; interval: May repeat in 2h; max 40mg/day; fixed: true

Contraindications

  • Uncontrolled HTN
  • CAD/prior MI/stroke
  • Hemiplegic or basilar migraine
  • MAOI use within 14 days
  • Use within 24h of ergotamine

Clinical pearls

  • Subcutaneous route is fastest and most effective for acute migraine and cluster headache
  • Avoid in patients with vascular risk factors — coronary vasospasm risk
  • Medication overuse headache if used >10 days/month — counsel on limits
  • Cluster headache: 6mg SQ is first-line abortive therapy

Source and review

  • AHS Consensus Statement on Acute Migraine Treatment 2021. Last reviewed: 2024-11-01