What is Imigran Nasal Spray?
Imigran Nasal Spray contains the active ingredient Sumatriptan which belongs to the triptans, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonists class of medicines. They are used to treat migraine attacks once they have started. It is not a painkiller but you can use this medicine if other painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have not worked, with people finding them to work much more effectively than traditional painkillers.
It is a nasal spray version of the popular Sumatriptan.
How to buy Imigran Nasal Spray online
You can use our online prescription service to buy Imigran Nasal Spray online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK and offer free delivery and next day delivery. Any website that claims to sell Imigran Nasal Spray without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Imigran Nasal Spray works
Imigran Nasal Spray contains the active ingredient Sumatriptan which belongs to the triptans, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonists class of medicines. The root cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. One of the causes may be the blood vessels widening in the brain. Sumatriptan acts on these vessels causing them to narrow, relieving any pain, nausea and sensitivity to light.
It is important to note they are not a preventative and are instead to be taken when a migraine attack happens and take roughly 15 minutes to start working.
How to use Imigran Nasal Spray
The usual adult dose is 20mg sprayed into one nostril; 10mg may be prescribed for some adults. For ages 12–17, the recommended dose is 10mg under an experienced clinician’s supervision. If the first dose helped but symptoms return, one further dose may be used after at least 2 hours. Do not use more than two prescribed doses in 24 hours, or repeat a dose for the same attack if the first did not help.
Only open the nasal spray blister when you are ready to use the medication.
Blow your nose before using the nasal spray if it feels blocked.
Breathe in gently through your nose as you press on the nasal spray, you may taste some of the medicine, this is normal.
Do not use Imigran Nasal Spray as a preventative measure.
Imigran Nasal Spray side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Imigran Nasal Spray include
- Irritation or burning in your nose or throat
- Nosebleeds
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Hot or cold flushes
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.
Imigran Nasal spray and driving
Sumatriptan and migraine attacks can cause drowsiness. If you take it and feel drowsy or feel drowsy from the migraine do not drive or operate any machinery.
Imigran Nasal spray and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor before taking Imigran nasal spray. The decision depends on your migraines, other treatments and the available pregnancy evidence; your doctor will weigh the expected benefit against possible risks.
Imigran Nasal spray and breastfeeding
Sumatriptan may be used while breastfeeding if your doctor or health visitor confirms it is suitable for you and your baby. Only small amounts reach milk. The product information describes a 12-hour pause after a dose, discarding milk expressed in that time, to minimise exposure; discuss whether this is needed for your circumstances.
Who cannot use Imigran Nasal Spray
Imigran Nasal Spray may not suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Sumatriptan
- Have a heart problem
- Have an irregular heart beat
- Have recently heart attack
- Suffer from circulation problems
- Suffer from seizures or fits
- Have liver problems
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Are a heavy smoker
Imigran Nasal Spray interactions
The following drugs interact with Sumatriptan if you take any of the following contact your doctor:
- Other migraine treatments
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Citalopram, Sertraline
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Phenelzine
If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your doctor, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
If you take an anti-depressant or St John's wort alongside Sumatriptan you may experience 'serotonin syndrome'. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Feeling agitated
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Increased heart rate
More information on serotonin syndrome can be found here
Imigran Nasal Spray alternatives
If you find Sumatriptan does not work for you, there are other triptans available to try such as:
You can also try over the counter medicine either instead of or alongside Imigran Nasal Spray such as:
Frequently asked questions
How many sprays of Imigran can I use?
Take the dose of Imigran nasal spray prescribed for you. If it relieved the migraine but the headache returns, you may repeat the prescribed dose after at least 2 hours. Do not repeat it for the same attack if the first dose did not help. Use no more than two prescribed doses in 24 hours. Use the prescribed 10mg or 20mg strength.
Is it safe to take Sumatriptan long term?
Sumatriptan is well tolerated and studies have shown it is safe to be taken long term.
Is it safe to buy Imigran Nasal spray from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Does Imigran Nasal spray expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Imigran Nasal spray?
Imigran Nasal spray should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Incorrect storage could result in the medication becoming less effective.
How quickly does Imigran Nasal spray work?
The nasal spray usually works within 15 minutes.
Will Imigran Nasal spray work?
Imigran nasal spray has been shown to work in 63% to 78% of people using it compared to placebo.
Can I drink alcohol while using Imigran Nasal Spray?
Yes, you can drink alcohol but be aware that alcohol can sometimes be the cause migraines.
Sources and further information
- NICE CG150: Headaches in over 12s: recommendations (checked 8 September 2026)
- NHS: Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking sumatriptan (checked 8 September 2026)
- Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
