Imitrex is a drug prescribed commonly for the treatments of migraine headaches. Imitrex is the trade name of Sumatriptan, which is a sulfa drug. It is marketed in the United States by GlaxoSmithKline Corporation.
Sumatriptan in the drug is an agonist for a particular type of receptor (5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor subtype) found in the cranial arteries and vasculature of the dura mater. These receptors mediate Vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction is the process of narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to decreased blood flow to that part of the body. Imitrex enhances this activity of the receptors. This is associated with the relief of migraine headache by reducing the vascular inflammation associated with migraine. The receptors are also present in the trigerminal nerve. Imitrex also acts on these. This explains the drug’s efficacy in the treatment of cluster headaches.
