Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan)

Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan)

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Imitrex, Maxalt
Therapeutic class	Antimigraine
Pharmacologic class	Serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (triptans)
Onset / peak / duration	SubQ sumatriptan onset about 10 minutes; oral 30 to 60 minutes.
Half-life / level	Short; level not routine.
Routes	PO (oral), SubQ, Intranasal
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Supportive care.
Pregnancy / lactation	Use only if clearly needed.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) (brand names Imitrex, Maxalt) — Antimigraine; Serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (triptans).

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antimigraine.
• Pharmacologic class: Serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (triptans).

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Stimulate 5-HT1 receptors to constrict cranial vessels and reduce neurogenic inflammation.
• Onset / peak / duration: SubQ sumatriptan onset about 10 minutes; oral 30 to 60 minutes.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Short; level not routine.

Clinical use

• Indications: Acute migraine (not for prevention).
• Usual dose, route, frequency: Sumatriptan PO, SubQ, or intranasal; rizatriptan PO or ODT; may repeat once after 2 hours.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Daily limits per product; limit days per month to avoid rebound headache.

Safety

• Contraindications: Coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, prior stroke, hemiplegic or basilar migraine, recent ergot or other triptan, MAO inhibitor (some).
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Ergot alkaloids and other triptans (vasospasm, separate by 24 hours), SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin syndrome), MAO inhibitors.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Use only if clearly needed.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Flushing, tingling, chest or throat tightness, dizziness.
• Serious effects to report: Chest pain (possible coronary vasospasm), serotonin syndrome, stroke symptoms.
• Antidote / reversal: Supportive care.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Cardiac risk, blood pressure, headache pattern.
• Interventions during therapy: Take at the first sign of migraine; assess chest symptoms.
• Monitor: Headache relief, cardiac symptoms, frequency of use.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Migraine relief.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Use early; do not exceed limits; report chest tightness.
• Notify provider if: Chest pain or pressure, weakness or speech changes, frequent migraines.
• Administration tips: ODT dissolves on tongue; SubQ for rapid relief.