Imigran 50 mg film-coated tablets – sumatriptan for the treatment of migraine attacks

Imigran is a medicine containing the active substance sumatriptan and belongs to the group of triptans (5-HT1 receptor agonists). It is registered as 50 mg film-coated tablets and is a prescription-only medicine.

Imigran is used to treat migraine attacks. It is thought to narrow widened blood vessels in the head, relieving the headache and accompanying symptoms of an attack – nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. The medicine is taken when an attack starts, not to prevent attacks.

What is Imigran (sumatriptan) used for and how should it be taken during a migraine attack?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Imigran used for?

According to the official package leaflet, Imigran is used to treat the type of headache called migraine – to relieve the headache and the accompanying symptoms of an attack (nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound).

Imigran is not intended to prevent migraine attacks; it is taken only after an attack has started.

How is it used and dosed?

• Adults aged 18 to 65: the recommended dose is one 50 mg tablet, swallowed whole with a little water. Some patients need a 100 mg dose – on the doctor's advice.
• Take the medicine as soon as possible after the attack starts, although it is equally effective at any stage of the attack.
• If symptoms come back: another 50 mg tablet may be taken if at least 2 hours have passed since the first.
• If the first tablet did not work: do not take a second tablet or any other form of Imigran for the same attack; it can be used for the next attack.
• Do not take more than 300 mg (6 × 50 mg tablets) in 24 hours.

The dosing above is the general dosing from the leaflet and is not an individual recommendation.

Special patient groups

• Children and adolescents under 18: the medicine must not be used.
• People over 65: use is not recommended.
• Liver disease: the medicine must not be used in severe liver disease; tell your doctor before use if you have milder liver or kidney disease.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

Do not take Imigran:

• if you are allergic to sumatriptan or the excipients;
• if you have heart disease due to narrowed arteries (ischaemic heart disease), angina or have had a heart attack;
• if you have peripheral vascular disease (painful leg cramps when walking);
• if you have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack;
• if you have high blood pressure (except mildly raised blood pressure controlled with treatment);
• if you have severe liver disease;
• if you are using other migraine medicines at the same time – ergotamine or similar (methysergide) or other triptans;
• if you take MAO inhibitors or have taken them in the last two weeks;
• in children under 18.

Precautions and warnings

• Risk factors for heart disease (heavy smoking or nicotine replacement therapy, men over 40, post-menopausal women): the doctor should check heart function before prescribing – very rarely, serious heart problems have been reported even in people without previous signs of heart disease.
• Seizures or conditions that may cause them (head injury, alcoholism) require closer monitoring.
• Allergy to sulphonamide antibiotics may also mean allergy to Imigran.
• Use with SSRI or SNRI antidepressants requires medical advice because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Using it too often may make headaches worse – the doctor may advise stopping.
• Chest pain or tightness after taking the medicine usually passes quickly; if it does not or gets worse, seek help immediately.
• The medicine contains lactose; it contains less than 1 mmol sodium per tablet.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

• Ergotamine and similar medicines (methysergide): do not take at the same time; stop at least 24 hours before Imigran and do not take them for at least 6 hours after Imigran.
• Other triptans (naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan): do not take at the same time; keep at least 24 hours before and after.
• MAO inhibitors: do not take Imigran if you have used them in the previous two weeks.
• SSRI and SNRI antidepressants: possible serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, sweating, hallucinations, increased reflexes, muscle spasms, shivering, fast heartbeat) – tell your doctor immediately.
• St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): higher likelihood of side effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Data on use in pregnancy are limited, although so far there is no evidence of an increased risk of birth defects; the doctor assesses whether use is necessary. Do not breastfeed for at least 12 hours after taking the medicine – milk expressed during this time should be discarded.

Driving and using machines

Imigran or the migraine itself may cause drowsiness. If this happens, do not drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

• Common (up to 1 in 10): pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body; numbness, tingling, feelings of heat or cold (usually intense but short-lived); nausea or vomiting; tiredness or drowsiness; dizziness, weakness; transient increase in blood pressure; shortness of breath; muscle pain.
• Very rare (up to 1 in 10,000): liver function disorders.
• Frequency not known: allergic reactions (rash, hives, wheezing, swollen eyelids, face or lips, collapse); seizures, tremor, stiff neck; visual disturbances; heart rhythm disorders, angina or heart attack; Raynaud's syndrome; fainting; ischaemic colitis (pain in the lower left abdomen and bloody diarrhoea); diarrhoea; joint pain; anxiety; difficulty swallowing; excessive sweating.

Some symptoms may be caused by the migraine itself. Report any suspected side effect to your doctor, pharmacist or ALIMS.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: do not take more than 300 mg in 24 hours; if you have taken more, seek medical advice.
• Missed dose: Imigran is taken only during attacks, so there is no regular dosing schedule.
• If you do not feel better after taking the medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Related information

• Which is the safest painkiller?
• How to lower high blood pressure without medicines

For additional care and support with migraine and headache, see also the Headache category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• Active substance: sumatriptan 50 mg per film-coated tablet (as sumatriptan succinate).
• Tablet core: lactose monohydrate, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate. Film coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), triacetin, red iron(III) oxide (E172).
• Appearance: pink, biconvex, capsule-shaped film-coated tablets (12 × 6.5 mm) marked "50".
• Pack: OPA/Al/PVC//Al child-resistant blister, 2 film-coated tablets.
• Marketing authorisation holder: EVROPA LEK PHARMA D.O.O. BEOGRAD, Bore Stankovića 2, Belgrade. Manufacturer: Delpharm Poznań S.A., Ul. Grunwaldzka 189, Poznań, Poland.

Storage

• Store below 30 °C.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines.

Frequently asked questions

When should Imigran be taken?

As soon as possible after the migraine attack starts, although the medicine is equally effective at any stage of the attack. It is not taken to prevent attacks.

Can I take a second tablet if the headache does not go away?

If the first tablet did not work, do not take another for the same attack. If the first worked and the symptoms return, you can take another 50 mg tablet after at least 2 hours, but no more than 300 mg in 24 hours.

Is it normal to feel chest tightness after Imigran?

Pain, pressure or tightness in the chest and throat are common side effects that usually pass quickly. If they do not pass or get worse, seek medical help immediately.

Can I take Imigran if I take antidepressants?

Only on medical advice. It is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors, and with SSRI and SNRI antidepressants serotonin syndrome is possible.

Sources

• ALIMS – Package leaflet Imigran®, 50 mg, film-coated tablets (in Serbian)
• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics Imigran®, 50 mg, film-coated tablets (in Serbian)

Date sources were checked: 24.10.2026.