Sumatriptan Dosing

The usual dose of sumatriptan tablets for the treatment of migraine headaches is 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. For those using the nasal spray, the sumatriptan dosage is 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg sprayed into one nostril. If you are receiving sumatriptan through an injection, the usual dosage is 4 mg or 6 mg injected subcutaneously (just below the skin). Among the factors that can affect sumatriptan dosing are other drugs you may be currently taking, other medical conditions you may have, and your response to sumatriptan.
 

An Overview of Sumatriptan Dosing

The dose of sumatriptan succinate (Imitrex®) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your response to sumatriptan
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Sumatriptan Dosage for Migraine Headaches

Sumatriptan is meant to be taken only during a migraine. The usual dosages of sumatriptan for migraine headaches are:
 
  • Sumatriptan tablets -- 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg by mouth.
  • Sumatriptan nasal spray -- 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg sprayed into one nostril. Since sumatriptan nasal spray does not come in a 10 mg strength, use two of the 5 mg sprays (one in each nostril) to get a 10 mg dose.
  • Sumatriptan injection -- 4 mg or 6 mg injected subcutaneously (just below the skin).
     

General Sumatriptan Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking sumatriptan include:
 
  • Sumatriptan is not meant to be taken on a daily basis. Take sumatriptan only when you have a migraine.
     
  • If your healthcare provider instructs you to do so, you may take a second dose of sumatriptan if your migraine does not go away after the first dose. You must wait at least two hours after the first dose before taking a second dose of sumatriptan tablets or sumatriptan nasal spray. For the sumatriptan injection, a second dose can be given as soon as one hour after the first dose.
     
  • Do not take more than 200 mg of sumatriptan tablets, 40 mg of sumatriptan nasal spray, or 12 mg of sumatriptan injection in one day.
     
  • Your sumatriptan dosage can be taken with or without food.
     
  • Sumatriptan nasal spray and sumatriptan injection both come with pamphlets with detailed instructions for use. Make sure your healthcare provider demonstrates exactly how to use these forms of the medicine.
     
  • For sumatriptan to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Sumatriptan will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribed it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to sumatriptan or your sumatriptan dosage, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;