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What is Imigran Nasal Spray?

Medicine Type Triptans (5-HT1 receptor agonists)
Mechanism of Action Reduces the widening of the blood vessels that have accrued during a migraine attack.
Active Ingredient Sumatriptan
Effective Within 30 minutes
Pack Size 2 Sprays
Strength 10mg, 20mg

Overview

What is Imigran Nasal Spray, and what is it used for?

Imigran nasal spray is a fast and effective treatment option for relieving the symptoms of acute migraines. It contains 10mg or 20mg of the active ingredient sumatriptan, which is part of a group of medications called triptans and is the most widely used medication for treating migraine symptoms. 


Imigran is a popular option for people who struggle to swallow tablets or prefer to use the nasal spray option. Imigran nasal spray is single-use and comes in two different strengths: 10mg and 20mg. 

How does Imigran nasal spray work?

While migraines are very common, it is not fully understood what causes them to occur. However, the painful throbbing that occurs is thought to be caused by the widening (dilation) of blood vessels in the brain. The active ingredient, sumatriptan, is a serotonin agonist, meaning that it copies the activity of serotonin by stimulating receptors in the brain. This causes the widened blood vessels in the brain to narrow, easing the throbbing and pain. 


Imigran nasal spray is, unfortunately, only effective once a migraine attack has started. It cannot be used to prevent a migraine attack. However, once you experience a migraine attack, Imigran nasal spray can begin to work within 30 minutes once applied to a nostril. This medication is safe to use with preventative medications such as propranolol.  

Imigran nasal spray alternatives

Whilst Imigran nasal spray is an effective and popular choice for migraine relief, it may not be suitable for everyone. Thus, it is beneficial to consider alternative medications. 


During your free online consultation with a Online Mens Clinic pharmacist, they may suggest the following alternatives:

  • Almotriptan Tablets: These tablets help reduce migraine-related headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the brain
  • Zomig Tablets 2.5mg: Containing Zomig as its active ingredient, this medication effectively treats migraines, whether they are preceded by an aura or not
  • Rizatriptan Tablets: These are useful for providing relief from migraines and their accompanying symptoms
  • Zolmitriptan Tablets: These tablets are effective in providing relief from acute migraine headaches, although they do not prevent future migraines
  • Sumatriptan Tablets: One of the more popular migraine relief medications. Sumatriptan is renowned for being fast-acting and effective
Migraine Medication 3 Tablets  6 Tablets  12 Tablets  18 Tablets 
Rizatriptan 10 mg  £14.99 £19.99 £34.99 N/A
Sumatriptan 50mg £6.99 £9.99 £18.99 £26.99
Sumatriptan 100mg N/A £11.99 £20.99 £ 28.99
Zomig 2.5mg N/A £39.99 £69.99 N/A
Zolmitriptan Oral/Orodispersible 2.5mg N/A £34.99 £49.99 N/A
Almotriptan 12.5mg £13.49 £19.99 £34.99 N/A

Imigran Nasal Spray Over The Counter Alternatives

There are effective over-the-counter alternatives to Sumatriptan tablets. Before taking any of the below options, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Paracetamol: Common OTC treatment for various pains, including headaches. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if paracetamol is not providing relief from migraine symptoms
  • Migraleve: this is a specialised OTC treatment for migraines. It contains paracetamol, codeine, and buclizine. Your pharmacist will advise you on the dosage and how to get the best results when taking Migraleve
  • Ibuprofen: An effective treatment option for mild to moderate pain, including migraines. Ibuprofen can be taken with paracetamol to help provide better symptom management

Informational sources

Imigran Nasal Spray Reviews

Imigran nasal spray (10mg & 20mg) has positive reviews that are reported to provide effective relief from symptoms caused by a migraine attack. Other reviews highlighted: 

  • Easy to use 
  • Fast acting 
  • Works well 
  • Fewer side effects compared to sumatriptan tablets

 

Directions of Use

Imigran Nasal Spray dosage & directions of use

Imigran Nasal Spray is effective when you take it once you notice your migraine attack has started. It will also be effective when taken later during a migraine attack. 

Imigran Nasal Spray is available in 10mg or 20mg doses. It is sprayed into one nostril. 

  1. Imigran Nasal spray comes individually packaged in blister packs. Only open the blister pack once you are ready to use the spray.
  2. If your nose feels blocked, blow it before you administer the medication
  3. Hold the spray with your middle and index finger on either side of the nozzle. Your thumb will rest on the blue plunger
  4. Then, insert the nozzle into one nostril (about 1 cm in) while blocking the other nostril by using a finger to apply firm pressure
  5. Breathe in gently through your nose, and press the blue plunger firmly. Make sure that you are still breathing in while spraying the medication
  6. Remove the nozzle and unblock your other nostril
  7. Keep breathing in through your nose and out your mouth for the next 10 seconds. It is normal for your nose to feel wet and to taste a slight aftertaste after administering the spray
  8. Throw away the empty nasal spray

If the medicine is ineffective after taking a dose, wait at least 2 hours before taking a second dose of the nasal spray.

Ingredients

Imigran Nasal Spray Ingredients 

The active ingredient of Imigran Nasal Spray is Sumatriptan

Other ingredients include: 

  • Dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, purified water, sulphuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. 

Side Effects

Imigran Nasal Spray side effects

Like all medications, Imigran Nasal Spray can cause some side effects; however, not everyone may experience them. Some symptoms experienced may be caused by the migraine attack. 

Common side effects of Imigran Nasal Spray

  • Unpleasant aftertaste 
  • Nausea 
  • Tightness or pressure in the throat or chest 
  • Irritation of the nose or throat 
  • Dizziness 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Aching muscles 
  • Tiredness 

If common side effects continue to persist or they become severe, get medical help and talk to your doctor. 

Serious Side Effects of Imigran Nasal Spray

Serious side effects are very rare (affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): 

  • Changes in liver function 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Heart problems
  • Seizures/fits 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Visual disturbances 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Feeling anxious 
  • Pain in the joints 
  • Feeling faint 
  • Pale blue-tinged skin 

If you experience serious side effects, or symptoms of an allergic reaction, go to A&E immediately or call 999. You should also stop using Imigran Nasal Spray immediately. 

Warnings

Imigran Nasal Spray warnings

If you have the following conditions, you should not take Imigran Nasal Spray: 

  • If you are allergic to Sumatriptan or any of the other ingredients in Imigran 
  • If you have a heart problem
  • If you have a serious liver disease 
  • If you have had a stroke 
  • If you have circulation problems in your legs 
  • If you have high blood pressure 
  • If you are taking other migraine medications (triptans) 

Inform your doctor in case you have:

  • If you are a heavy smoker or are on nicotine replacement therapy 
  • If you are a woman who has been through menopause 
  • If you are a man over the age of 40
  • If you are at risk of heart disease (e.g., you are diabetic or you have high blood pressure) 

Imigran Nasal Spray drug interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have recently taken or are taking any of the following types of medications: 

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) antidepressants 
  • Other triptan medications 
  • Other migraine medications such as ergotamine or its derivatives, methysergide
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) that are used to treat depression
  • St John’s Wort 

Patient Information Leaflet

Author Information

All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.

Nazmul Kadir

Authored by

Nazmul Kadir

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2215377

Fahmida Kadir

Reviewed by

Fahmida Kadir

Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2219511

Review Date 1 January 2025
Next Review 1 January 2026
Published on 16 December 2019
Last Update 6 February 2026

Imigran Nasal Spray FAQs

Fahmida Kadir
Fahmida Kadir Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

Medically reviewed on January 1st, 2025

What is Imigran nasal spray used for?

Imigran Nasal Spray contains the active ingredient Sumatriptan and is used to provide relief from a migraine attack. It cannot be used to prevent a migraine attack.

How long does it take for Imigran nasal spray to work?

Imigran Nasal Spray can begin to work within 15-20 minutes after administering a single dose. 

Is Imigran nasal spray available over the counter?

Imigran Nasal Spray is only available with a prescription in the UK.

Who should not take Imigran?

Imigran Nasal Spray is not suitable for some people. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sumatriptan, have a heart problem, or have had a heart attack. For a complete list of those who shouldn’t be taking Imigran, read the Patient Information Leaflet

What are the side effects of Imigran spray?

Common side effects of Imigran Nasal Spray include nausea, unpleasant aftertaste, nosebleed, fatigue, dizziness, irritation of the nose, fatigue, and shortness of breath. 

What is the generic form of Imigran?

The generic of Imigran nasal spray is Sumatriptan tablets or injections.

What class of drug is Imigran?

Imigran belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. 

What happens if you take too much Imigran?

If you take too much Imigran, you may experience side effects of an overdose, such as sweating, behavioural changes, high blood pressure, sleepiness, rash, and sleepiness. Call your doctor or seek immediate medical care. 

Can you take Imigran with Ibuprofen?

Imigran can be taken with Ibuprofen to help manage migraine attack symptoms. 

How many times a day can you take Imigran?

The typical dose of Imigran Nasal Spray for adults aged 18 to 65 is a single 20mg spray. Do not use more than two sprays in 24 hours. 

A fully qualified team

Our experienced pharmacists are all registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.

View our full team
Nazmul Kadir Nazmul Kadir

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

MPharm, PgDip

Anna Wedderburn Anna Wedderburn

Clinical Director

MPharm

Stephanie Beirne Stephanie Beirne

Clinical Governance Lead

MPharm, PgDip

Fahmida Kadir Image Fahmida Kadir

Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

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