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Imigran 50mg

Imigran 50mg

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  • ✔️ Targets migraine pain at its neurological source
  • ✔️ Relieves migraine headache within 30 to 60 minutes
  • ✔️ Effective for migraines with or without aura
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults aged 18 to 65 with diagnosed migraine
  • ✔️ Clinically established triptan with decades of evidence

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What Are Sumatriptan 50mg Tablets Used For?

 

If you've ever been floored by a migraine, you'll know it's far more than just a bad headache. Imigran 50mg is a prescription migraine treatment containing sumatriptan succinate — a medicine specifically designed to stop a migraine attack once it has started. It belongs to a class of medicines called triptans, which target the root cause of migraine pain rather than simply masking it. Available from Cured Pharmacy following a short online consultation, it's a clinically established option for adults aged 18 to 65 who experience migraine with or without aura. If you're also managing other symptoms alongside your migraines, our pain relief collection may offer useful complementary options.

Migraine affects around one in seven people in the UK, according to the NHS, and can cause debilitating throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Sumatriptan 50mg tablets are one of the most widely prescribed acute migraine treatments in the UK, with a well-established safety and efficacy profile built over decades of clinical use. Imigran 50mg is priced at £39.99 and is supplied following pharmacist review of your consultation.

 

How Does Imigran 50mg Work to Relieve Migraine?

 

Sumatriptan works by selectively binding to serotonin receptors — specifically the 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D subtypes — in the brain and surrounding blood vessels. This mechanism produces two key effects that together interrupt a migraine attack:

  • It causes constriction of dilated cranial blood vessels, reducing the throbbing sensation that characterises migraine pain.
  • It inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides (such as CGRP) from trigeminal nerve endings, dampening the neurogenic inflammation that drives migraine symptoms.
  • It blocks pain signal transmission along the trigeminal pathway, reducing the intensity of head pain.
  • It can also relieve associated symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia.

Crucially, sumatriptan does not prevent migraines from occurring — it treats them once they begin. For this reason, it should be taken as early as possible after migraine symptoms start, though it can still be effective if taken later in the attack.

 

Who Is Imigran 50mg Suitable For?

 

Imigran 50mg is intended for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who have a confirmed diagnosis of migraine. It is suitable for migraines with or without aura. It is not a painkiller for general headaches — it should only be used when you are confident the headache is a migraine. Your prescriber or pharmacist will assess your suitability during the consultation process.

It may be appropriate for you if:

  • You have been diagnosed with migraine by a GP or specialist.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen have not provided adequate relief.
  • You experience moderate to severe migraine attacks that significantly affect your daily life.
  • You do not have cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or other contraindicated conditions.

 

How Does Imigran 50mg Compare to Other Migraine Treatments?

 

Feature Imigran 50mg (Sumatriptan) Rizatriptan 10mg
Drug class Triptan (5-HT1 agonist) Triptan (5-HT1 agonist)
Onset of action 30–60 minutes 30–60 minutes
Available strengths 50mg, 100mg 5mg, 10mg
Suitable for Adults 18–65 Adults 18–65
UK prescription status Prescription only (POM) Prescription only (POM)

 

How Should Imigran 50mg Be Stored and Who Should Avoid It?

 

Store Imigran 50mg tablets below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them in their original packaging and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you have unused tablets, return them to a pharmacy for safe disposal — do not flush them or put them in household waste.

Imigran 50mg is not suitable for everyone. People with a history of heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), peripheral vascular disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use this medicine. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. If you are unsure whether this medicine is right for you, speak to your pharmacist or GP before ordering. You may also find it helpful to explore our sickness and nausea collection if nausea is a significant part of your migraine experience.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Imigran 50mg specifications
Treatment category Migraine
Active ingredient Sumatriptan succinate 50mg
Mechanism of action Selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist
Drug class Triptan
Strengths 50mg
Pack sizes 2 tablets, 6 tablets
Route of administration Oral (swallowed whole with water)
Preparation Film-coated tablet
UK classification Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
Suitable for Adults aged 18–65 with diagnosed migraine
Effective Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura

Specifications of Imigran 50mg

 

What Is Imigran 50mg and What Is It Used For?

 

Imigran 50mg is a prescription-only medicine used to treat acute migraine attacks in adults. Its active ingredient, sumatriptan succinate, belongs to the triptan family of medicines. It is indicated for the acute relief of migraine headache — with or without aura — but is not intended for migraine prevention or for treating other types of headache. According to the NHS, migraine is a common health condition affecting around one in every five women and one in every fifteen men in the UK. Sumatriptan 50mg tablets are among the most frequently prescribed acute migraine treatments available.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Imigran 50mg?

 

Before taking Imigran 50mg, it is essential to make sure it is safe for you. Do not take this medicine if any of the following apply to you:

  • You have had a heart attack, angina, or any form of coronary artery disease.
  • You have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
  • You have peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the limbs).
  • You have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • You have severe liver problems.
  • You are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
  • You are allergic to sumatriptan or any other ingredient in the tablet.
  • You have taken an ergotamine-containing medicine or another triptan within the last 24 hours.
  • You have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last two weeks.

The following medicines may interact with Imigran 50mg. Always tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking:

  • SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline) and SNRIs (e.g. venlafaxine) — risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Lithium — increased risk of serotonin-related effects.
  • St John's Wort — may increase the risk of side effects.
  • Other triptans or ergotamine — do not combine; risk of prolonged vasospasm.
  • MAOIs — contraindicated; do not use within two weeks of stopping an MAOI.

 

How Should You Use Imigran 50mg?

 

Always use Imigran 50mg exactly as directed by your prescriber or pharmacist. Taking it correctly gives you the best chance of effective relief. Follow these steps:

  1. Take one 50mg tablet as soon as you recognise that a migraine is starting.
  2. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water — do not crush or chew it.
  3. If your migraine improves but then returns, you may take a second dose after at least two hours.
  4. If the first dose has no effect at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack.
  5. Do not take more than 300mg (six 50mg tablets) in any 24-hour period.
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Acute migraine Adults 18–65 50mg (may increase to 100mg if 50mg is insufficient in future attacks) Once at onset; second dose after ≥2 hours if symptoms return. Max 300mg/24 hours.
Children under 18 Not applicable Not recommended Not recommended
Adults over 65 Not applicable Not recommended Not recommended

If you find that you are using sumatriptan 50mg tablets on more than ten days per month, speak to your GP. Overuse of acute migraine treatments can itself cause medication overuse headache (MOH), sometimes called rebound headache.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Imigran 50mg?

 

Like all medicines, Imigran 50mg can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Some of the sensations — such as tingling or chest tightness — can feel alarming but are usually mild and pass quickly. That said, always seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Tingling or numbness (paraesthesia)
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Flushing (feeling of warmth or redness)
  • Feelings of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, throat, neck, or limbs
  • Fatigue or weakness

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Bradycardia or tachycardia (slow or fast heart rate)
  • Transient increases in blood pressure
  • Visual disturbances
  • Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash or urticaria
  • Seizures (rare)
  • Serotonin syndrome (rare, particularly when combined with SSRIs or SNRIs)

If you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome — such as agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high temperature, or muscle twitching — stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical help immediately. You can find further information about managing associated symptoms in our pain relief section.

 

How Should You Store Imigran 50mg?

 

  • Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
  • Keep in the original blister packaging until ready to use.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
  • Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or by flushing down the toilet — return unused tablets to your local pharmacy.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Imigran 50mg online in the UK?

You can buy Imigran 50mg from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy. Because it is a prescription-only medicine, you will need to complete a short online consultation before your order is dispensed. A qualified pharmacist reviews every consultation to ensure the medicine is appropriate for you before it is dispatched to your door.

How does Imigran 50mg work in the body?

Imigran 50mg contains sumatriptan, which selectively activates serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors in the brain. This causes the dilated blood vessels around the brain to constrict and blocks the release of pain-causing inflammatory substances from trigeminal nerve endings. The combined effect interrupts the migraine process and relieves head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

How quickly does Imigran 50mg start working?

Most people experience relief within 30 to 60 minutes of taking Imigran 50mg. It tends to work most effectively when taken at the very first sign of a migraine attack. If you wait until the headache is at its worst, it may still help, but the response can be slower or less complete.

What is the correct dose of Imigran 50mg for adults?

The standard adult dose is one 50mg tablet taken at the onset of a migraine. If symptoms return after initial relief, a second 50mg dose may be taken at least two hours after the first. The maximum dose in any 24-hour period is 300mg — do not exceed this. If 50mg proves insufficient in future attacks, your prescriber may recommend the 100mg strength.

Can I take Imigran 50mg with paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Yes, Imigran 50mg can generally be taken alongside standard analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for additional symptom relief. However, always check with your pharmacist before combining medicines, particularly if you take other regular medications. If you regularly need to combine treatments, speak to your GP about your migraine management plan.

Who should not take Imigran 50mg?

Imigran 50mg is not suitable for people with a history of heart disease, stroke, TIA, peripheral vascular disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. It is also contraindicated in those with severe liver impairment, and is not recommended for patients under 18 or over 65. People taking MAOIs or who have taken ergotamine within the last 24 hours should also avoid it.

What are the most common side effects of Imigran 50mg?

The most commonly reported side effects include tingling or numbness, dizziness, nausea, flushing, and feelings of heaviness or pressure in the chest, throat, or limbs. These effects are usually mild and short-lived, resolving on their own without treatment. If you experience severe or persistent chest pain, seek medical attention immediately as this could indicate a serious cardiovascular reaction.

Is Imigran 50mg the same as sumatriptan?

Yes — Imigran is the original branded version of sumatriptan, manufactured by GSK. Both the branded and generic versions contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and are considered bioequivalent, meaning they work in the same way. The choice between branded and generic is largely a matter of availability and cost.

Can I take Imigran 50mg during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should speak to your GP or midwife before taking Imigran 50mg. The NHS advises that sumatriptan should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding for 12 hours after taking a dose.

What happens if Imigran 50mg does not work for my migraine?

If a single dose of Imigran 50mg does not relieve your migraine, do not take a second dose for the same attack — this is unlikely to help and increases the risk of side effects. You could try a standard painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol instead. If sumatriptan consistently fails to work, speak to your GP, as a different triptan or a higher dose may be more effective for you.

How often can I take Imigran 50mg?

You should not take Imigran 50mg on more than ten days per month. Using acute migraine treatments too frequently can lead to medication overuse headache (MOH), also known as rebound headache, which can make migraines more frequent and harder to treat. If you find yourself needing treatment this often, speak to your GP about preventative migraine therapy.

What are the alternatives to Imigran 50mg?

Other triptans available in the UK include rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, and eletriptan — each with slightly different onset times and durations of action. Non-triptan options include aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol for milder attacks, and anti-emetics for nausea. You can explore our pain relief collection for further options, and your GP can advise on the most suitable alternative if Imigran is not working for you.

Can Imigran 50mg be used to prevent migraines?

No — Imigran 50mg is an acute treatment only, meaning it is taken to stop a migraine once it has started. It has no role in migraine prevention. If you experience frequent migraines (typically four or more per month), your GP may consider preventative treatments such as propranolol, topiramate, or amitriptyline.

Does Imigran 50mg interact with antidepressants?

Yes, there is a potential interaction between sumatriptan and certain antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (such as fluoxetine or sertraline) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine). Combining these medicines can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome — a rare but serious condition. Always tell your prescriber or pharmacist about any antidepressants you are taking before using Imigran 50mg. If you are also managing related health concerns, our women's health collection may have relevant information.

What are the latest findings on sumatriptan for migraine treatment?

Sumatriptan remains one of the most extensively studied acute migraine treatments available, with decades of clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in adults. Current NICE guidelines continue to recommend triptans as first-line acute treatment for moderate to severe migraine when standard analgesics are insufficient. Research continues into newer CGRP-targeting therapies, but sumatriptan 50mg tablets remain a well-evidenced and widely used option in UK clinical practice.

How Should You Use Imigran 50mg?

Imigran 50mg is taken orally and should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. It is not designed to be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Follow these steps each time you use it:

Do not take Imigran 50mg as a preventative measure before a migraine starts. It is only effective once a migraine attack has begun.

What Is the Correct Dose of Imigran 50mg?

The recommended starting dose for most adults is one 50mg tablet. If you find that 50mg does not provide sufficient relief in future attacks, your prescriber may recommend the 100mg strength instead. Never exceed 300mg in any 24-hour period.

When Is the Best Time to Use Imigran 50mg?

Imigran 50mg works best when taken at the very first sign of a migraine headache — ideally as soon as the head pain begins, rather than during the aura phase if one occurs. Clinical evidence suggests that early treatment during the headache phase produces the most consistent results. If you delay taking it until the migraine is at its peak, it may still help, but the response can be less predictable.

There is no specific time of day that is better than another — simply take it when the migraine starts, regardless of whether that is morning, afternoon, or night.

How Long Can You Use Imigran 50mg For?

Imigran 50mg is intended for occasional use to treat individual migraine attacks. It is not a daily medicine and should not be taken on more than ten days per month. Using it more frequently than this can lead to medication overuse headache, which can make migraines more frequent and more difficult to treat over time.

If you find that you are relying on Imigran 50mg very regularly, speak to your GP. They may consider prescribing a preventative migraine treatment to reduce the frequency of your attacks and reduce your need for acute medication.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Imigran 50mg?

Most people who take Imigran 50mg tolerate it well, but like all medicines, it can cause side effects. The most frequently reported ones are generally mild and tend to resolve on their own within a short time. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident using the medicine.

  • Tingling, numbness, or prickling sensations (paraesthesia), particularly in the hands, feet, or face
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Flushing — a feeling of warmth or redness in the skin
  • Feelings of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, throat, neck, or limbs
  • Fatigue or a general feeling of weakness

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Imigran 50mg?

Less common side effects occur in fewer people but are still worth being aware of. If any of the following affect you, mention them to your pharmacist or GP at your next opportunity.

  • Transient increases in blood pressure
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate)
  • Visual disturbances, such as flickering or blurred vision
  • Skin reactions including rash, itching, or urticaria (hives)
  • Muscle aches or stiffness
  • Dry mouth

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Imigran 50mg?

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. Do not ignore the following symptoms — stop taking the medicine and seek emergency help if you experience them.

  • Severe or crushing chest pain — this could indicate a cardiac event and must be assessed urgently.
  • Signs of serotonin syndrome: agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high temperature, muscle twitching or rigidity, and loss of coordination. This is more likely if you are also taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or lithium.
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; sudden drop in blood pressure.
  • Seizures — though rare, these have been reported in patients with no prior history of epilepsy.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects of Imigran 50mg?

For mild side effects such as tingling, flushing, or nausea, no specific treatment is usually needed — they typically pass within an hour. Resting in a quiet, darkened room can help. If side effects are troublesome or persistent, contact your pharmacist for advice. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

For any serious or unexpected reaction — particularly chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of serotonin syndrome — stop taking Imigran 50mg immediately and call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

Can Imigran 50mg Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes. Imigran 50mg has several clinically significant drug interactions that you must be aware of before starting treatment. The most important ones involve medicines that also affect serotonin levels. Taking sumatriptan alongside SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or lithium can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Ergotamine-containing medicines and other triptans must not be taken within 24 hours of Imigran 50mg due to the risk of prolonged vasospasm. St John's Wort, a herbal remedy, may also increase the risk of side effects. Always give your prescriber or pharmacist a full list of all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking before using this medicine.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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