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2D Structure
Also known as: 103628-46-2, Sumatran, Sumax, Imigran, Imitrex, Sumatriptanum
Molecular Formula
C14H21N3O2S
Molecular Weight
295.40  g/mol
InChI Key
KQKPFRSPSRPDEB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
8R78F6L9VO

A serotonin agonist that acts selectively at 5HT1 receptors. It is used in the treatment of MIGRAINE DISORDERS.
Sumatriptan is a Serotonin-1b and Serotonin-1d Receptor Agonist. The mechanism of action of sumatriptan is as a Serotonin 1b Receptor Agonist, and Serotonin 1d Receptor Agonist.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
1-[3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl]-N-methylmethanesulfonamide
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C14H21N3O2S/c1-15-20(18,19)10-11-4-5-14-13(8-11)12(9-16-14)6-7-17(2)3/h4-5,8-9,15-16H,6-7,10H2,1-3H3
2.1.3 InChI Key
KQKPFRSPSRPDEB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CNS(=O)(=O)CC1=CC2=C(C=C1)NC=C2CCN(C)C
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
8R78F6L9VO
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. 3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-n-methyl-1h-indole-5-methanesulfonamide

2. Gr 43175

3. Gr-43175

4. Gr43175

5. Imigran

6. Succinate, Sumatriptan

7. Sumatriptan Succinate

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 103628-46-2

2. Sumatran

3. Sumax

4. Imigran

5. Imitrex

6. Sumatriptanum

7. Gr-43175

8. 3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-n-methyl-1h-indole-5-methanesulfonamide

9. Gr 43175

10. 1-{3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1h-indol-5-yl}-n-methylmethanesulfonamide

11. 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methylindole-5-methanesulfonamide

12. N02cc01

13. 1-[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1h-indol-5-yl]-n-methyl-methanesulfonamide

14. Imitrex (tn)

15. Chembl128

16. 1-[3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1h-indol-5-yl]-n-methylmethanesulfonamide

17. 8r78f6l9vo

18. Chebi:10650

19. 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methyl-1h-indole-5-methanesulfonamide

20. (3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1h-indol-5-yl)-n-methylmethanesulfonamide

21. 1-[3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1h-indol-5-yl]-n-methylmethanesulfonamide

22. 1h-indole-5-methanesulfonamide, 3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-n-methyl-

23. 1h-indole-5-methanesulfonamide, 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methyl-

24. Ncgc00095838-01

25. Sumatriptanum [inn-latin]

26. Dsstox_cid_3628

27. 1-(3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1h-indol-5-yl)-n-methylmethanesulfonamide

28. Dsstox_rid_77118

29. Dsstox_gsid_23628

30. Zecuity

31. Gr 43175x

32. Smr000596517

33. Imigran (tn)

34. Cas-103628-46-2

35. Brn 6930870

36. Unii-8r78f6l9vo

37. Sumatriptan (jan/usp/inn)

38. Sumatriptan [usp:inn:ban]

39. Avp825

40. Imigran Recovery

41. {3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1h-indol-5-yl}-n-methylmethanesulfonamide

42. Hsdb 7742

43. Avp 825

44. Avp-825

45. Sumatriptansuccinate

46. Sumatriptan- Bio-x

47. Tosymra

48. Tosymra (nasal Spray)

49. Sumatriptan [mi]

50. Sumatriptan [inn]

51. Sumatriptan [jan]

52. Sumatriptan [hsdb]

53. Gtpl54

54. Sumatriptan [vandf]

55. Schembl1482

56. Sumatriptan [mart.]

57. Bspbio_002304

58. Sumatriptan [usp-rs]

59. Sumatriptan [who-dd]

60. Mls001195659

61. Mls001304742

62. Bidd:gt0248

63. Spectrum1505372

64. Dfn-11

65. Dtxsid4023628

66. Hy-b0121b

67. Zinc14360

68. Sumatriptan [orange Book]

69. Hms2231b21

70. Hms3369a05

71. Sumatriptan [usp Monograph]

72. Amy17769

73. Bcp02237

74. Tox21_111528

75. Bdbm50005835

76. Stl451003

77. Akos015894924

78. Tox21_111528_1

79. Ccg-230331

80. Db00669

81. Dfn-11 (sumatriptan Injection)

82. Ncgc00095838-02

83. Ncgc00095838-03

84. Ncgc00095838-04

85. Bs164424

86. Sbi-0206837.p001

87. Cs-0009565

88. Ft-0631027

89. Ft-0674779

90. C07319

91. C90357

92. D00451

93. Ab00698285-12

94. Ab00698285-13

95. Ab00698285_14

96. Ab00698285_15

97. 628s462

98. L000584

99. Q416978

100. J-001014

101. Brd-k50938287-001-01-7

102. 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methyl-1h-indole-5-methanesulphonamide

103. (3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1h-indol-5-yl)-n-methylmethanesulfonamide #

104. 3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-n-methy-1h-indole-5-methanesulfonamide

105. 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methyl-1h-indole -5-methanesulphonamide

2.4 Create Date
2005-03-25
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 295.40 g/mol
Molecular Formula C14H21N3O2S
XLogP30.9
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count2
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count4
Rotatable Bond Count6
Exact Mass295.13544809 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass295.13544809 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area73.6 Ų
Heavy Atom Count20
Formal Charge0
Complexity405
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 6  
Drug NameAlsuma
PubMed HealthSumatriptan
Drug ClassesAntimigraine
Drug LabelSumatriptan is a selective 5-hydroxy-tryptamine receptor subtype 1 (5-HT1) agonist. Sumatriptan delivered as the succinate salt is chemically designated as 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-indole-5-methanesulfonamide succinate (1:1), and it has th...
Active IngredientSumatriptan succinate
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteSubcutaneous
Strengtheq 6mg base/0.5ml (eq 12mg base/ml)
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMeridian Medcl

2 of 6  
Drug NameImitrex
PubMed HealthSumatriptan
Drug ClassesAntimigraine
Drug LabelIMITREX Tablets contain sumatriptan (as the succinate), a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor subtype agonist. Sumatriptan succinate is chemically designated as 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-indole-5-methanesulfonamide succinate (1:1), and...
Active IngredientSumatriptan; Sumatriptan succinate
Dosage FormTablet; Spray; Injectable
RouteOral; Nasal; Subcutaneous
Strengtheq 100mg base; 20mg/spray; eq 50mg base; eq 6mg base/0.5ml (eq 12mg base/ml); eq 25mg base; 5mg/spray
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyGlaxosmithkline

3 of 6  
Drug NameZecuity
PubMed HealthSumatriptan
Drug ClassesAntimigraine
Drug LabelZECUITY (sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system) is a disposable, single use system designed to deliver sumatriptan through the skin using iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of delivering a drug through the skin using a low e...
Active IngredientSumatriptan succinate
Dosage FormSystem
RouteIontophoresis
Strengtheq 6.5mg base/4hr
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyTeva Branded Pharm

4 of 6  
Drug NameZecuity
PubMed HealthSumatriptan
Drug ClassesAntimigraine
Drug LabelZECUITY (sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system) is a disposable, single use system designed to deliver sumatriptan through the skin using iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of delivering a drug through the skin using a low e...
Active IngredientSumatriptan succinate
Dosage FormSystem
RouteIontophoresis
Strengtheq 6.5mg base/4hr
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyTeva Branded Pharm

5 of 6  
Drug NameAlsuma
PubMed HealthSumatriptan
Drug ClassesAntimigraine
Drug LabelSumatriptan is a selective 5-hydroxy-tryptamine receptor subtype 1 (5-HT1) agonist. Sumatriptan delivered as the succinate salt is chemically designated as 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-indole-5-methanesulfonamide succinate (1:1), and it has th...
Active IngredientSumatriptan succinate
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteSubcutaneous
Strengtheq 6mg base/0.5ml (eq 12mg base/ml)
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyMeridian Medcl

6 of 6  
Drug NameImitrex
PubMed HealthSumatriptan
Drug ClassesAntimigraine
Drug LabelIMITREX Tablets contain sumatriptan (as the succinate), a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor subtype agonist. Sumatriptan succinate is chemically designated as 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-indole-5-methanesulfonamide succinate (1:1), and...
Active IngredientSumatriptan; Sumatriptan succinate
Dosage FormTablet; Spray; Injectable
RouteOral; Nasal; Subcutaneous
Strengtheq 100mg base; 20mg/spray; eq 50mg base; eq 6mg base/0.5ml (eq 12mg base/ml); eq 25mg base; 5mg/spray
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyGlaxosmithkline

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Serotonin Agonists; Vasoconstrictor Agents

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings online file (MeSH, 2009)


Sumatriptan tablets are indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. /Included in US product label/

US Natl Inst Health; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) tablets (January 2008). Available from, as of June 29, 2009: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=6576


Sumatriptan tablets are NOT intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Safety and effectiveness of sumatriptan tablets have not been established for cluster headache, which is present in an older, predominantly male population. /Included in US product label/

US Natl Inst Health; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) tablets (January 2008). Available from, as of June 29, 2009: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=6576


/EXPTL Ther:/ To determine the impact of sumatriptan prophylaxis on acute mountain sickness (AMS) and altitude headache development within 24 hours of ascent, we designed a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Tochal Mountain Hotel at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level during October 2006 to November 2006. A total of 102 Iranian adults were assigned to receive either sumatriptan succinate (50mg) or placebo within 1 hour of ascent. AMS incidence was measured by Lake Louise AMS score > or = 3 with headache and one other symptom. Secondary outcome measures included severity of syndrome (Lake Louise scores > or = 5), incidence of headache, and severity of headache. Based on intention-to-treat analysis, AMS was more prevalent in placebo group (n = 23 [45.1%]) than sumatriptan group (n = 12 [23.5%]; p = 0.02). Headache also had a greater rate for placebo users (placebo vs sumatriptan group: 29 [56.9%] vs 17 [33.3%]; p = 0.02). No association was detected between sumatriptan prophylaxis and AMS or altitude headache severity. Sumatriptan prophylaxis is effective to prevent AMS development. Furthermore, our findings confirm cerebral vasodilative and edematous mechanisms of AMS progression, whereas sumatriptan is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine(1) receptor subtype agonist and a selective cerebral vasoconstrictor as a result

PMID:17557349 Jafarian S et al; Ann Neurol 62 (3): 273-7 (2007).


/EXPTL Ther:/ ... A patient with a 4-year history of cyclic vomiting was treated for an episode of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This patient had been hospitalized numerous times for cyclic vomiting over the previous 4 years, each hospitalization lasting from 3 to 11 days. Following a single subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg, the patient ceased vomiting and was discharged 40 hours from the time of admission. The efficacy of sumatriptan in migraine headache appears to be mediated through its agonist activity at the serotonin1D receptor, resulting in constriction of dural blood vessels. According to published reports, therapeutic attempts at controlling cyclic vomiting often have included antimigraine therapies. Consistent with these reports, sumatriptan also appears effective in the treatment of cyclic vomiting. The pathogenesis of cyclic vomiting appears to share similarities with classic migraine, both of which may respond to sumatriptan therapy according to this report and previous work. Further study of the use of sumatriptan in the treatment of cyclic vomiting appears warranted.

PMID:8845562 Benson JM et al; Ann Pharmacother 29 (10): 997-9 (1995).


4.3 Drug Warning

Most adverse effects associated with sumatriptan are well defined, transient, and mild to moderate in intensity, although serious cardiac events (coronary artery vasospasm, transient myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) have been reported rarely in patients receiving the drug subcutaneously or orally. Adverse effects associated with the drug usually occur within 1 hour after subcutaneous or oral administration of sumatriptan and generally resolve within 10-30 minutes (subcutaneous) or 1 hour (oral). The incidence of adverse effects associated with sumatriptan generally remains unchanged or decreases with repeated use of the drug. However, the incidence of adverse effects appears to increase with higher than recommended doses of the drug. In addition, the overall incidence of adverse effects among patients receiving sumatriptan injection for the treatment of cluster headache is lower than that in patients being treated with the drug for migraine.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2661


The most frequently reported adverse effects associated with subcutaneous sumatriptan succinate therapy are injection site reaction (eg, minor pain, edema, tingling at the site of injection, burning, transient erythema), tingling, dizziness or vertigo, and sensations of warmth or heat. Common adverse effects reported in patients receiving oral sumatriptan for the treatment of migraine or cluster headache include malaise or fatigue, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, tingling, and nasal discomfort. Since some adverse effects noted with sumatriptan therapy (eg, nausea or gastric symptoms, tingling, photophobia, visual disturbances, headache, numbness, neck pain, drowsiness/sedation, asthenia, fatigue) also are symptoms associated with migraine attacks and/or the postdromal period, it may be difficult to distinguish the effects of underlying disease processes from drug-induced effects. The most frequently reported adverse effects associated with intranasal sumatriptan include disturbances of taste, nausea or vomiting, and disease of nasal cavity or sinuses. For adverse effects reported with sumatriptan therapy in the Cautions section, a causal relationship to the drug has not always been established. In addition, the incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials may not predict precisely the likelihood of encountering these effects under usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those prevailing in the trials.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2661


Pooled data from controlled studies indicate that the most frequently reported adverse effect associated with subcutaneous sumatriptan succinate therapy is injection site reaction, consisting of minor pain, edema, induration, swelling, contusions, subcutaneous bleeding, stinging or tingling at the site of injection, burning, and/or transient erythema. Lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) has been reported in less than 0.1% of patients receiving the drug subcutaneously. Injection site reactions occurred in 58.7% of patients receiving the drug subcutaneously in controlled trials; this effect occurred with less frequency in patients using an auto-injector to administer the drug.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2661


Nasal and/or throat irritation were reported in approximately 5% of patients receiving 5-, 10-, or 20-mg doses of intranasal sumatriptan on 1 or 2 occasions in controlled clinical studies. Transient irritative symptoms (eg, burning, numbness, paresthesia, discharge, pain or soreness) were reported to be severe in about 1% of patients receiving intranasal sumatriptan; these symptoms generally resolved in less than 2 hours. Limited examination of the nose and throat did not reveal clinically noticeable injury in these patients. In addition, an increased incidence of local irritation has not been observed in patients receiving intranasal sumatriptan repeatedly for up to 1 year. However, epithelial hyperplasia (with and without keratinization) and squamous metaplasia were observed in the larynx of rats receiving inhaled sumatriptan daily for 1 month at dosages as low as one-half the maximum daily human exposure (based on dose per surface area of nasal cavity). In addition, evidence of epithelial hyperplasia, focal squamous metaplasia, granulomata, bronchitis, and fibrosing alveolitis was observed in the respiratory and nasal mucosa in dogs administered various formulations of sumatriptan by intranasal instillation daily for up to 13 weeks, at exposure rates of 2-4 times the maximum daily human exposure (based on dose per surface area of nasal cavity). The changes observed in both species are not considered to be signs of preneoplastic or neoplastic transformation. Local effects on nasal and respiratory tissues after chronic, repeated intranasal administration of sumatriptan have not been studied in animals or humans.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2661


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for Sumatriptan (42 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

A combination sumatriptan and [naproxen] tablet is indicated for the treatment of migraines with or without auras in patients 12 years of age and older. Sumatriptan nasal powder, nasal spray, subcutaneous injection, and tablets are indicated to treat migraines with or without auras in adults. One of the subcutaneous formulations of sumatriptan is also indicated to treat cluster headaches in adults, while the other subcutaneous formulation is not.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Sumatriptan constricts cranial blood vessels and prevents the release of vasoactive peptides. The dose of sumatriptan varies widely by route of administration and in most cases, no more than 2 doses should be given daily. Medication overuse headaches may occur in patients who use sumatriptan frequently.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists

Endogenous compounds and drugs that specifically stimulate SEROTONIN 5-HT1 RECEPTORS. Included under this heading are agonists for one or more of the specific 5-HT1 receptor subtypes. (See all compounds classified as Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists.)


Vasoconstrictor Agents

Drugs used to cause constriction of the blood vessels. (See all compounds classified as Vasoconstrictor Agents.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
SUMATRIPTAN
5.3.2 FDA UNII
8R78F6L9VO
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Serotonin 1d Receptor Agonists [MoA]; Serotonin-1b and Serotonin-1d Receptor Agonist [EPC]; Serotonin 1b Receptor Agonists [MoA]
5.4 ATC Code

N02CC01

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


N - Nervous system

N02 - Analgesics

N02C - Antimigraine preparations

N02CC - Selective serotonin (5ht1) agonists

N02CC01 - Sumatriptan


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

A 6mg subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan reaches a Cmax of 69.5ng/mL (95% CI of 62.8-76.9ng/mL) with a Tmax of 0.17h (95% CI of 0.08-0.33h), an AUC of 9.0h\*ng/mL (95% CI of 7.5-10.9h\*ng/mL), and a bioavailability of 100%. A 25mg oral dose of sumatriptan reaches a Cmax of 16.5ng/mL (95% CI of 13.5-20.1ng/mL) with a Tmax of 1.50h (95% CI of 0.50-2.00h), an AUC of 8.7h\*ng/mL (95% CI of 6.1-12.5h\*ng/mL), and a bioavailability of 14.3% (95% CI of 11.4-17.9%). A 20mg intranasal dose of sumatriptan reaches a Cmax of 12.9ng/mL (95% CI of 10.5-15.9ng/mL) with a Tmax of 1.50h (95% CI of 0.25-3.00h), an AUC of 7.4h\*ng/mL (95% CI of 5.0-10.8h\*ng/mL), and a bioavailability of 15.8% (95% CI of 12.6-19.8%). A 25mg rectal dose of sumatriptan reaches a Cmax of 22.9ng/mL (95% CI of 18.4-28.6ng/mL) with a Tmax of 1.00h (95% CI of 0.75-3.00h), an AUC of 14.6h\*ng/mL (95% CI of 11.3-18.8h\*ng/mL), and a bioavailability of 19.2% (95% CI of 15.3-24.1%).


Route of Elimination

224% is excreted in the urine as unchanged sumatriptan and 387% in urine as indole acetic acid approximately 40% is excreted in the feces.


Volume of Distribution

Sumatriptan has a volume of distribution of 508L for a 6mg subcutaneous dose, or 2.7L/kg.


Clearance

Subcutaneous sumatriptan has a clearance of 0.22L/min (95% CI of 0.19-0.25L/min). Oral sumatriptan has a clearance of 0.17L/min (95% CI of 0.14-0.21L/min). Rectal sumatriptan has a clearance of 0.17L/min (95% CI of 0.14-0.21L/min). Intrsnasal sumatriptan has a clearance of 0.21L/min (95% CI of 0.18-0.25L/min). Total plasma clearance of sumatriptan is approximately 1200mL/min.


Sumatriptan is rapidly absorbed following subcutaneous or oral administration; oral absorption appears to occur in the small intestine. The drug also is absorbed rapidly following intranasal administration. The bioavailability of sumatriptan given subcutaneously is almost complete, averaging about 97% of that obtained with iv administration of the drug. The bioavailability of sumatriptan following oral or intranasal administration averages only about 15 or 17%, respectively, principally because of presystemic metabolism of the drug and in part because of incomplete absorption. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and peak serum concentration of sumatriptan increase linearly with single subcutaneous doses of 1-16 mg. The extent of sumatriptan absorption (AUC) also is dose-proportional following single oral doses of 25-200 mg; however, peak plasma concentrations after a 100-mg oral dose of sumatriptan are approximately 25% less than those predicted from a 25-mg oral dose.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2665


Interindividual variability in the absorption of sumatriptan after oral administration results in multiple peaks in plasma concentration, possibly because of differences in the rates of gastric emptying, small-bowel transit, and/or presystemic metabolism; however, 75-80% of the final peak plasma concentration is reached within 45 minutes after dosing. Administration of higher than recommended single oral doses of sumatriptan (ie, 200-400 mg) is associated with a decrease in the rate of absorption.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


Oral absorption of the drug does not appear to be affected appreciably by gastric stasis that may occur during a migraine attack; however, the time to peak concentration is prolonged by about 30 minutes. The pharmacokinetics of sumatriptan following subcutaneous injection reportedly are similar during migraine attacks and pain-free periods. Absorption of subcutaneous sumatriptan is not affected by race or gender.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


A food effect study involving administration of sumatriptan tablets to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal indicated that the Cmax and AUC were increased by 15% and 12%, respectively, when administered in the fed state.

US Natl Inst Health; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) tablets (January 2008). Available from, as of June 29, 2009: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=6576


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Sumatriptan (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Sumatriptan is predominantly metabolized by monoamine oxidase A. The main metabolites are the inactive indole acetic acid and indole acetic acid glucuronide.


The principal metabolite of sumatriptan is its inactive indole acetic acid analog, which is formed by oxidative N-deamination of the N-dimethyl side chain. The indole acetic acid metabolite of sumatriptan achieves plasma concentrations 6-7 times higher than those of sumatriptan but has a half-life similar to that of the parent compound, suggesting that clearance of this metabolite is formation-rate limited. Other minor metabolites of sumatriptan, an ester glucuronide of the indole acetic acid derivative and an indole ethyl alcohol derivative, also have been identified.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


Metabolism is the principal clearance process for sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is metabolized in the liver and possibly in the GI tract and is eliminated in urine and feces. In vitro studies suggest that sumatriptan is metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO), principally the A isoenzyme (MAO-A); inhibitors of this enzyme may increase systemic exposure to sumatriptan.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


5.7 Biological Half-Life

Subcutaneous sumatriptan has a half life of 1.9h (95% CI of 1.7-2.0h). Oral sumatriptan has a half life of 1.7h (95% CI of 1.4-1.9h). Rectal sumatriptan has a half life of 1.8h (95% CI of 1.6-2.2h). Intrsnasal sumatriptan has a half life of 1.8h (95% CI of 1.7-2.0h).


Following single subcutaneous or oral doses of sumatriptan in healthy individuals, the terminal elimination half-life of the drug is 1.5-2.6 hours.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


Following single-dose oral administration of large doses of sumatriptan or repeated administration of smaller doses, a second terminal elimination phase has been observed but not characterized. The prolonged elimination half-life with multiple dosing or administration of large single doses may indicate enterohepatic recycling or prolonged oral absorption and does not appear to affect substantially the disposition of the drug. Most of a dose of sumatriptan is excreted within 10-24 hours.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


Following intranasal administration of sumatriptan, the elimination half-life reportedly is about 2 hours.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2666


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Sumatriptan is an agonist of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D. This agonism leads to constriction of cranial blood vessels and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. Sumatriptan decreases carotid arterial blood flow, but increases blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery.[A179734 Agonism of the 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors also inhibits sensory neurons, preventing the release of vasoactive peptides.[A179734 Sumatriptan does not cross the blood brain barrier.


Sumatriptan and other currently available drugs that are effective for acute migraine, including dihydroergotamine and ergotamine, have binding affinity for serotonin type 1 (5-HT1) receptors, particularly the 5-HT1D (also called 5-HT1Dalpha) and 5-HT1B (also called 5-HT1Dbeta) subtypes located on trigeminal sensory neurons innervating dural blood vessels. The 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors function as autoreceptors, activation of which leads to inhibition of firing of serotonin neurons and a reduction in the synthesis and release of serotonin. Upon binding to these 5-HT1 receptor subtypes, sumatriptan inhibits adenylate cyclase activity via regulatory G proteins, increases intracellular calcium, and affects other intracellular events that lead to vasoconstriction and inhibition of sensory nociceptive (trigeminal) nerve firing and vasoactive neuropeptide release. Sumatriptan has the highest affinity for the 5-HT1D receptor, the most common serotonin receptor subtype in the brain, and a 2- to 17-fold lower affinity for 5-HT1A receptors; agonist activity at 5-HT1A and other serotonin receptors may be responsible for some of the adverse effects noted with administration of serotonin or serotonergic antimigraine drugs (eg, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine). Sumatriptan has essentially no affinity for (based on standard radioligand binding assays) nor pharmacologic activity at other serotonin receptors (eg, 5-HT2, 5-HT3) or at receptors of the dopamine1, dopamine2, muscarinic, histamine, benzodiazepine, or alpha1-, alpha2-, or beta-adrenergic type.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2664


Sumatriptan is a selective agonist of vascular serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) type 1-like receptors, probably the 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B subtypes. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of migraine and cluster headache are not clearly understood; consequently, the precise mechanism of action of sumatriptan in the management of these disorders has not been established. However, current data suggest that sumatriptan may ameliorate migraine and cluster headache through selective constriction of certain large cranial blood vessels and/or inhibition of neurogenic inflammatory processes in the CNS. While some features of migraine clearly reflect effects on cerebral blood vessels, neurogenic mechanisms involving activation of the trigeminovascular system also have been implicated; current evidence suggests that both mechanisms may be involved.

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2665


The vascular 5-HT1 receptor subtype that sumatriptan activates is present on cranial arteries in both dog and primate, on the human basilar artery, and in the vasculature of human dura mater and mediates vasoconstriction. This action in humans correlates with the relief of migraine headache. In addition to causing vasoconstriction, experimental data from animal studies show that sumatriptan also activates 5-HT1 receptors on peripheral terminals of the trigeminal nerve innervating cranial blood vessels. Such an action may also contribute to the antimigrainous effect of sumatriptan in humans.

US Natl Inst Health; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) tablets (January 2008). Available from, as of June 29, 2009: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=6576


Sumatriptan selectively reduces carotid arterial blood flow and/or constricts carotid arteriovenous anastomoses in anesthetized animals without appreciable effects on arterial blood pressure or total peripheral resistance. The drug produces contraction of vascular smooth muscle in vitro in saphenous veins in dogs and humans, but such contractions are weaker than those produced by serotonin or ergot alkaloids (eg, methysergide).

American Society of Health System Pharmacists; AHFS Drug Information 2009. Bethesda, MD. (2009), p. 2665


For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for Sumatriptan (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.