Imigran vs Sumatriptan

What is the difference between Imigran and Sumatriptan and why is one more expensive than the other?

Updated: Thursday 15 April 2021


comparing imigran and sumatriptan

Imigran is an antimigraine medication for treating migraine attacks. Whilst it does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you get migraine attacks, it helps to relieve headaches, pains and other headache symptoms (e.g. nausea or vomiting).

It’s active ingredient ‘sumatriptan succinate’ belongs to a class of medications called ‘triptans’ which are specifically designed to relief migraine attacks. Migraines are thought to involve changes in the levels of chemicals in the brain causing blood vessels in the brain to widen or swell, which produces the throbbing pain. Imigran works by narrowing the blood vessels to inhibit the pain of the headache and other symptoms associated with migraines.

What is the difference between Imigran and Sumatriptan?

Both Sumatriptan and Imigran contain the active ingredient, sumatriptan succinate, so they are medically equivalent. The difference between them is that Imigran is the branded version of the medication and costs more than Sumatriptan.

  Imigran Sumatriptan
Active Ingredient Sumatriptan succinate Sumatriptan succinate
Strengths sold 50mg, 100mg, nasal spray 50mg, 100mg tablets
Action time 45 minutes 45 minutes
Duration 2 hours 2 hours
Legal Yes Yes
Price Branded - more expensive Generic - cheaper

How do I take Imigran/Sumatriptan?

  • One tablet should be taken with water as soon as the headache begins. It is still effective if you take it at a later stage of the headache.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • If another headache occurs, a second tablet can be taken at least 2 hours after the first.

  • No more than 6 tablets (300mg) should be taken within a 24-hour period.
  • Do not take more than one tablet for the same migraine attack.

Are you able to buy Imigran/Sumatriptan over the counter?

Currently, it is not possible to buy Imigran over the counter. If ordinary painkillers are ineffective at relieving migraine symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your GP.

Alternatively, you can buy Sumatriptan or Imigran online from Pharmica. After completing a short medical questionnaire, your answers will be reviewed by one of our pharmacists and if you meet the requirements to take either treatment, your medication will be delivered to you safely and discreetly.

Iris Barbier

Written by: Iris Barbier

Pharmacy Assistant

Born in France, Iris moved to the UK to study Biological Sciences at London Metropolitan University. Upon graduating, Iris moved up north, where she completed an MA in Science Journalism at the University of Lincoln.

As a qualified science journalist, Iris uses her expertise to write content for Pharmica’s online Health Centre. She ensures our patients get specialist knowledge on medical conditions and how to treat them.


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