CategoryDetails

Type of Medicine

Migraine medication (triptan)

Health Conditions Prescribed For 

Acute migraine attacks (with or without aura)

Active Ingredients 

Sumatriptan

Brand Names 

Imigran Nasal Spray

 Available Strengths 

10mg and 20mg

 Available As 

Nasal Spray (prescription-only)

 Possible Side Effects 

Nasal irritation, dizziness, nausea, bitter taste

Manufacturers

Sandoz (UK) Ltd

What is Imigran Nasal Spray?

Imigran Nasal Spray is a migraine medicine containing Sumatriptan, made for rapid nasal delivery. It is designed to quickly ease migraine symptoms by avoiding the digestive system, thus cutting down the time needed for the medicine to work. This product is especially useful for people who experience severe migraine attacks along with nausea or vomiting, which may make swallowing prescribed medication difficult.

Its nasal route allows the active ingredient to be absorbed well into the bloodstream, giving fast symptom relief. This treatment is prescribed by professionals for management.

What is Imigran Nasal Spray Used For? 

Acute Migraine Relief: Imigran Nasal Spray is used to quickly ease the intense headache and related symptoms during a migraine attack.
Symptom Management: It helps lower migraine-related nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity effectively.
Alternative Administration: It offers a useful alternative for patients who cannot manage or absorb oral migraine medicines.

At 123Meds, we supply Imigran Nasal Spray solely for treating migraines. If you are interested in using Imigran Nasal Spray for any other condition, we advise that you seek further review from your medical practitioner.

How Imigran Nasal Spray Works 

Imigran Nasal Spray sends its active ingredient straight through the nasal mucosa, ensuring fast entry into the bloodstream. This quick delivery helps to swiftly ease migraine symptoms by avoiding the gastrointestinal system.

Mechanism of Action: 

Serotonin Receptor Activation: Sumatriptan attaches specifically to 5-HT₁B/₁D receptors, starting processes that lower migraine-related inflammation.
Cranial Vasoconstriction: The medicine tightens the widened blood vessels in the brain, reducing pressure and easing headache pain.
Neuropeptide Inhibition: It stops the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, which helps to calm the migraine process.

When is Migraine Confirmed, and Medication Needed? 

A migraine is diagnosed when a patient has recurrent, moderate to severe headache episodes lasting between four and 72 hours, along with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances.

Prescribed medication becomes necessary when these disabling symptoms affect everyday activities, continue despite rest and hydration, and greatly lower the quality of life. A clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional confirms the diagnosis, and treatment becomes essential when non‐medicinal methods do not ease the pain fast enough.

Physical causes of Migraine: 

Hormonal changes can upset the body’s balance of chemicals, which may trigger or worsen migraine episodes.
Irregular sleep and heavy physical activity can upset the balance in the body, making someone more likely to get migraines.

Being exposed to environmental triggers, such as bright lights and loud noises, can provoke migraine attacks.

Psychological causes of Migraine: 

Stress and anxiety are known to make migraine episodes more likely by raising the body’s stress hormone levels.
Depression and other mood problems can increase migraine pain, making headache symptoms worse and last longer.

Symptoms of Migraine: 

Intense, throbbing headache
Nausea and/or vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound

If your migraine symptoms continue for several weeks or become increasingly troublesome, it is important to seek help from a medical practitioner.

Medical practitioners will diagnose your condition after a detailed review of your medical history, including how often your headaches occur, their pattern, and any possible triggers. Depending on the underlying causes and your specific symptoms, treatment options may include prescribed medication like Imigran Nasal Spray for quick migraine pain relief. Other medications or therapies, including preventive treatments, may also be suggested. Always speak with your healthcare professional to find the most suitable treatment plan.

Can Imigran Nasal Spray Be Purchased Over the Counter? 

Imigran Nasal Spray is a prescription-only medicine in many regions, including the UK, as it contains Sumatriptan which must be used under medical oversight.

It is not available over the counter because its use needs an accurate diagnosis of migraine by a qualified professional. The medicine’s benefits and possible side effects require professional oversight, ensuring the correct dose and method are used by professionals. Therefore, patients must get a valid prescription from their prescriber before buying Imigran Nasal Spray.

Alternative Medications 

Alternative medicines can offer migraine relief when a nasal spray may not suit or work well for every person. These alternatives give different delivery methods and speeds while acting on similar migraine pathways.

Sumatriptan Oral Tablets: Sumatriptan oral tablets contain the same active ingredient as Imigran Nasal Spray, providing a good alternative for migraine treatment. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and stopping the release of chemicals that cause pain, although they usually work slower than nasal sprays.

Rizatriptan Tablets: Rizatriptan tablets provide a fast-acting choice for quick migraine relief, effectively lowering headache severity. This medicine works by targeting serotonin receptors to narrow blood vessels in the head and block pain pathways, offering rapid symptom relief, although individual results and tolerance can vary significantly.

Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray: Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray is a strong alternative for sudden migraine attacks. It delivers medicine quickly via the nose and works on serotonin receptors to narrow blood vessels and reduce swelling. Its fast action gives good headache relief and more comfort, providing steady, reliable results.

If you are not sure which treatment is best for you, do not hesitate to speak with your 123Meds prescriber for personalised advice.

How to Take Imigran Nasal Spray? 

Timing: Use Imigran Nasal Spray straight away when you first notice your migraine symptoms for the best results.

Dosage: For Imigran Nasal Spray, the recommended dose for adults and adolescents aged 12 and above is to use one or two sprays per nostril as directed by your healthcare provider at the first sign of a migraine. The medicine should be used only once during the early phase of your symptoms; if enough relief is not reached, a second dose may be taken after at least two hours, but under no circumstances should more than forty milligrams be used in any twenty-four hour period to avoid possible side effects or complications, as advised.

With Food: Imigran Nasal Spray can be used with or without food; however, eating a light meal is generally fine and does not affect its absorption much, though heavy or fatty meals might slightly delay its action with minimal impact.

Avoid Consumption: To prevent any unwanted effects, it is best not to have alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or spicy, greasy foods before and right after using Imigran Nasal Spray, as they may lower absorption and trigger more migraine symptoms.

If you missed a dose of Imigran Nasal Spray, please consult your medical practitioner immediately to discuss the best steps rather than doubling your next dose.

Imigran Spray contains both active and inactive ingredients that work together to provide migraine relief.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Imigran Spray is Sumatriptan, which selectively works on serotonin receptors to effectively ease migraine symptoms, allowing fast relief and helping you return to normal during an acute migraine attack.

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients such as purified water, sodium chloride, citric acid, and buffering agents are used to keep the solution stable, maintain the correct pH, and help absorption through the nasal lining.

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Imigran Nasal Spray is a specialised migraine remedy made to quickly ease symptoms using a simple nasal spray. Its precise formula makes sure of fast delivery into the bloodstream for quick relief.

Common Side Effects

Nasal Discomfort: Some users note a mild burning or stinging feeling in the nasal passages right after use.
Bitter Taste: A short-term bad taste might be felt after use.
Nausea: Rare bouts of queasiness can occur after use.
Dizziness: A light-headed or dizzy feeling might happen in some people.
Dry Mouth: Users might note a drop in saliva flow, causing a dry mouth.
Sneezing: A quick sneeze may start immediately after the nasal spray is properly used.
Headache Variability: In rare cases, a brief change in headache strength can occur after using the spray.
Throat Irritation: A slight scratchy or sore feeling in the throat may be felt.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

Cardiovascular: Chest pain or uneven heart beats can happen and need prompt care.
Allergic Reaction: Allergic responses, such as a skin rash or swelling, may appear.
Respiratory Distress: Trouble breathing or a clear tightness in the chest is a serious sign needing a quick check

If you have severe or ongoing side effects like priapism, sudden loss of sight, or hearing problems, you should get immediate help from your general practitioner, NHS111 or A&E to avoid problems. Do not ignore odd or troubling symptoms, as these are urgent, and fast care can stop further issues.

Before beginning Imigran Nasal Spray, please make sure you have told us all your pre-existing conditions so that your prescriber can choose the best treatment and proper dose.

  • How long does Imigran nasal spray take to work?

    Imigran nasal spray usually starts to ease migraine symptoms within 10 to 15 minutes after use because it is quickly absorbed through the nose. However, each person’s results may differ based on how bad the migraine is and when the treatment is taken.

  • Is Imigran good for migraines?

    Imigran is a useful treatment for migraines as its active ingredient, Sumatriptan, acts fast to counter migraine symptoms. Many patients find clear relief when it is used quickly, although each person’s response depends on when it is taken and their specific migraine type.

  • Who should not take Imigran?

    People with certain heart conditions, serious liver problems, or high blood pressure that is not controlled should not use Imigran. Also, those who are allergic to Sumatriptan or other related medicines, and those with other conditions that make it unsafe, should avoid using it.

  • Does Imigran make you sleepy?

    Imigran nasal spray is not generally known to cause drowsiness. Some patients might feel a bit tired because of the migraine itself or other reasons, but sleepiness is not a usual side effect of this medicine.

  • Can I get Imigran over the counter?

    Imigran nasal spray is only available with a prescription in the UK and is not sold over the counter. This rule helps ensure proper health care oversight and safe use based on each person’s medical history and needs.

  • Why is Imigran so expensive?

    Imigran can be costly due to factors such as research and development expenses, high manufacturing standards, and strict regulations. Its special formula and targeted nasal delivery system also add to the higher production costs compared with more common treatments.

  • What is the difference between Imigran and sumatriptan?

    Imigran is a branded form of Sumatriptan, designed specifically as a nasal spray for fast migraine relief. Although Sumatriptan is the active ingredient, Imigran also includes extra components to keep it stable and allow good nasal absorption.

  • What are the side effects of Imigran spray?

    Imigran nasal spray often causes side effects such as nasal irritation, a bitter taste, mild nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth. Some users might also feel slight throat discomfort or small changes in headache intensity, while more serious reactions are rare but need quick medical care.

  • Does Imigran raise blood pressure?

    Imigran generally do not make a large rise in blood pressure. Its active ingredient, Sumatriptan, is made for quick migraine relief and usually does not lift blood pressure, though patients with heart problems should speak to their prescriber for personal advice.

  • How long does Imigran stay in your system?

    Studies show that Imigran’s effects usually last about two to four hours after it is used. The active ingredient is broken down and removed from the body over a similar time, although each person’s metabolism and the dose used can slightly change this period.

  • Does Imigran work for migraines?

    Imigran nasal spray is specially made to ease migraine symptoms and contains Sumatriptan, which has been shown to work fast. Most patients notice clear improvement when it is used at the beginning of their symptoms, although results can differ among individuals.

  • Can you take Imigran every day?

    Imigran nasal spray is meant for treating sudden migraine attacks rather than for daily use. Taking it every day is not advised, as this might lead to headaches from too much use or make it less effective. Always follow your prescriber’s guidelines.

  • How quickly does Imigran work?

    Imigran nasal spray is made for fast relief, usually showing clear improvement in migraine symptoms within 10 to 15 minutes after use. Its quick absorption through the nose makes it a popular choice for treating sudden migraines.

  • Has Imigran nasal spray been discontinued?

    Imigran nasal spray is still available by prescription for treating migraines. There are no official news of it being stopped; however, availability might differ by area. Always check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for the latest information.

  • How does Imigran make you feel?

    Imigran nasal spray is mainly used to ease migraine symptoms, and many patients say they feel quick relief from pain and better overall comfort during an attack. Each person’s experience can differ, with a few noticing brief mild dizziness or a change in taste.

  • Can you take paracetamol with Imigran nasal spray?

    It is generally safe to use paracetamol alongside Imigran nasal spray as they work in different ways. However, it is important to talk to your prescriber to check the right dose and to ensure there are no clashes with any other medication you might be taking.

  • Can you take Imigran on an empty stomach?

    Imigran nasal spray usually works well when taken on an empty stomach because its absorption through the nose does not depend on the gut. Still, each person may react differently, so patients should follow any specific advice given by their healthcare professional about eating.

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