For the treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura.
The 5-HT<sub>1B</sub> and 5-HT<sub>1D</sub> receptors function as autoreceptors, which inhibit the firing of serotonin neurons and a reduction in the synthesis and release of serotonin upon activation. After sumatriptan binds to these receptors, adenylate cyclase activity is inhibited via regulatory G proteins, incrases intracellular calcium, and affects other intracellular events. This results in vasoconstriction and inhibtion of sensory nociceptive (trigeminal) nerve firing and vasoactive neuropeptide release.
Symptoms of overdose include convulsions, tremor, paralysis, inactivity, ptosis, erythema of the extremities, abnormal respiration, cyanosis, ataxia, mydriasis, salivation, and lacrimation.
Approximately 15%
2.5 hours
Only 3% of the dose is excreted in the urine as unchanged sumatriptan; 42% of the dose is excreted as the major metabolite, the indole acetic acid analogue of sumatriptan.
* 2.7 L/kg [subcutaneous dosing]
* 1200 mL/min [Following a 6-mg SC injection]