Last updated: 28-04-2023
Sumatriptan and Imigran are both migraine medicines. They contain the same active ingredient. However, they do have some other differences.
What is Imigran?
The active ingredient of Imigran is sumatriptan. This reduces inflammation in the brain's blood vessels. It is available as a pill or a nasal spray. You take the pills when a migraine starts. It starts to work within 30 minutes to one hour. The dosage ranges from 50 to 100 mg.
What is Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is the name of the active ingredient in Imigran. It treats migraines by reducing inflammation in the brain's blood vessels.
Sumatriptan is available in more ways than Imigran. You can get it as a pill, a nasal spray, a solution (to inject) and a patch. With a patch, the medicine is absorbed through the skin.
The dosage ranges from 25 to 100 mg. The dosage depends on how severe the migraine is, among other factors.
How do Imigran and Sumatriptan work?
Imigran and sumatriptan work by targeting the places in the brain that respond to serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that regulates a person’s mood, sleep and appetite. During a migraine, serotonin levels in the brain drop, which causes inflammation in the blood vessels.
Imigran and sumatriptan help to get serotonin levels in the brain back to the correct level. This reduces inflammation and helps treat migraine symptoms.
What are the differences between Imigran and Sumatriptan?
The following are the main differences between the two medications:
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Brand vs generic. Imigran is a brand name. Sumatriptan is the active ingredient, otherwise known as the generic version. Imigran is made by GSK, while any company with the right licence can make sumatriptan.
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Forms. Imigran is available as a pill or a nasal spray. Sumatriptan is available in these ways too, but also in others. For example, you can get sumatriptan as a solution that you inject. This offers more options for people who cannot swallow pills.
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Dosage. Both Imigran and sumatriptan are available in different dosages. The dosage depends on how severe the migraine is, among other factors. Patients should work out the best dosage for them with their doctors.
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Price. Imigran is more expensive. This is due to the way it is made and its marketing costs.
Which medication is better?
Overall, Imigran and sumatriptan are equally as good at treating migraines.
If a patient has used Imigran before and it worked well, then it may be the best option for them. Sumatriptan may be better if they need a non-pill option or if cost is an issue.
Which medicine to take should be decided by the patient and their doctor. The decision will be based on medical history, symptoms, preferences and other factors.
Conclusion
Imigran and sumatriptan both good at treating migraines. They contain the same active ingredient, but the form, dosage and price differ.
You should talk with your doctor to work out which medication is best for you. Taking the proper medication and having a treatment plan will help you to manage your migraines and improve your quality of life.