(1st line choice triptan)

• Tablets 50mg, 100mg
• Prescribe generically

Notes:

In general, a triple drug combination taken together works best for the acute treatment of migraine:

• a 5HT₁ receptor agonists (known as a 'Triptan'), e.g. Sumatriptan
• a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), e.g. Ibuprofen or Naproxen or Aspirin (this should be avoided in children under 16 years of age) or Paracetamol
• an Anti-emetic, e.g. Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine or Domperidone

Entry reviewed: June 2024

For patients unable to take tablets

• Nasal spray 100mg/ml, 200mg/ml
• Injection 6mg and 3mg syringe

Notes:

Sumatriptan 6 mg subcutaneous remains the most rapid and effective treatment for pain relief but has a higher risk of adverse events  and is significantly more expensive than other formulations. The 3mg carries a similar efficacy but lesser risk of side effects.

In general, a triple drug combination taken together works best for the acute treatment of migraine:

• a 5HT₁ receptor agonists (known as a 'Triptan'), e.g. Sumatriptan
• a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), e.g. Ibuprofen or Naproxen or Aspirin (this should be avoided in children under 16 years of age) or Paracetamol
• an Anti-emetic, e.g. Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine or Domperidone

Entry reviewed: June 2024