Imigran nasal spray contains an active substance called sumatriptan. The nasal pray, which belongs to a group of medicines called triptans, comes in 10 mg or 20 mg dosage form.
Imigran is extremely useful during migraine headaches and helps relieve the symptoms that occur during a migraine attack. The other important ingredients included in the medicine are purified water, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Do not take the medicine in case you are allergic to triptans or any other ingredients contained in the medicine.
Imigran comes in the form of a pre-filled nasal spray, which contains sumatriptan in 0.1 ml of a yellow-coloured solution. It is available in a blister packs of 2 and 6 pre-filled nasal spray devices. Each nasal spray contains a single dose of sumatriptan.
Inform the GP if you are a heavy smoker, use nicotine replacement therapy or if you are a man above 40 years. You might be advised to pay some special attention while using the nasal spray.
Also inform the doctor if you are a woman going through menopause.
If there is a history of fits, have kidney and liver disease, or allergic to antibiotics called sulphonamides, then you must check with your GP about possible effects of Imigran nasal spray, before starting the medication.
Do not use Imigran in case you have high blood pressure, serious liver disease, circulation problems in the legs or if you have or ever had a stroke or a mini-stroke.
Imigran nasal spray might interfere with some other medications. You must always tell your GP about any allergies, health disorders or medications and herbal products taken.
If you take ergotamine, which is used for treating migraine, or similar medications (methysergide), then you can avoid taking Imigran at the same time with other medicines. You must stop taking such medicines 24 hours before taking Imigran.
There are some side effects associated with the use of Imigran. However, not all patients experience these side effects.
Some common side effects that affect more than or up to 1 in 10 people include unpleasant taste, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in throat, chest, and other body parts.
You may develop a feeling of numbness, unusual sensations and tingling of cold or warmth. Such effects might be intense, but will pass by quickly. If the effects don’t subside (especially chest pain), then report it to your GP immediately.
Other common effects are burning sensation in throat and nose, irritation, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, caused sometimes by migraine itself. Weakness, drowsiness, tiredness, hot flushes, and increase in blood pressure, shortness of breath and aching muscles are some other common side effects.
Allergic reaction, itchy rash, swollen eyelids/face or lips, wheezing, visual disturbances, pain in lower left side of the abdomen, or complete collapse may occur in a few cases, but the frequency is not known.
In case any of these symptoms arise, you are advised to contact the GP and seek immediate medical attention.
Imigran nasal spray is not useful in preventing an attack. Therefore, it should always be used after your migraine headache starts. Consult the GP or pharmacist in case of any queries.
A normal dose for adults aged between 18 and 65 is Imigran 20 mg spray, in just one nostril. Though, for some people 10 mg spray into one nostril is enough. Using more than two sprays in less than 24 hours is not recommended.
Adolescents aged between 12 and 17 should take the usual dose of Imigran 10 mg spray into one nostril.
Imigran nasal spray is not advised for children under 12 years and adults aged above 65 years. The best time to use the nasal spray is when you feel migraine has started, although using it anytime during the attack will relieve off the symptoms.
Imigran nasal spray can be used a second time, after the attack, but should not be used twice in 24 hours. Sometimes, using too much of Imigran can cause side effects, which may be difficult to reverse.
The nasal spray has three parts, the nozzle, finger-grip, and blue plunger. Just blow the spray gently into one nostril and breathe gently. Each spray contains one dose of Imigran.
To use the spray, remove it from the blister pack. Sit down or place yourself in a comfortable position. Before using the spray, blow your nose if you have a cold or a blocked nose. Now hold the nasal spray gently with your fingers and thumb. Block one nostril by pressing firmly with a finger. Put the nozzle of the spray into the other nostril.
Breathe out gently through your mouth and then hold your head upright and close your mouth. Start to breathe in gently through your nose. Press the blue plunger firmly with your thumb.
Remove the spray and remove the finger from the other nostril. Keep your head upright for 10 to 20 seconds.
During a migraine attack, the blood vessels in certain parts of the brain go narrower, that is, into a spasm mode. The blood vessels are then thought to widen up afterwards, which results in an intense headache.
Some chemicals may also show an increased activity in the brain, which might result in symptoms associated with migraine. The widening of the blood vessels and the change in brain chemicals together cause migraine pain.
A chemical found in the brain, serotonin, are known to constrict the blood vessels in the brain by attaching themselves to specific receptors. Triptans like sumatriptan work by mimicking the effects of serotonin.
Sumatriptan is structurally similar to serotonin. Therefore, it attaches itself to the serotonin receptors in the brain and cause narrowing of the blood vessels. The blood vessels are thus constricted and the symptoms associated with migraine are relieved.
