What is Naratriptan 2.5 mg used for?

Naratriptan 2.5 mg film-coated tablets are a prescription-only medicine (POM) used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults aged 18 to 65 years. Each tablet contains 2.5 mg naratriptan, as naratriptan hydrochloride, and is taken by mouth.

Naratriptan belongs to a group of medicines called triptans, also known as 5-HT1 receptor agonists. Migraine symptoms are thought to be associated with temporary widening of blood vessels in the head. Naratriptan is believed to reduce this widening, helping to relieve migraine headache and associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.

Naratriptan should be taken after the migraine headache has started and should not be used to prevent migraine attacks. It should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine and is not indicated for hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine.

When should I take Naratriptan 2.5 mg for a migraine?

Take Naratriptan after the migraine headache has started. It is best taken as early as possible after the headache begins, although it can still be taken later during the migraine attack.

The usual dose for adults aged 18 to 65 years is one 2.5 mg tablet.

Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Do not take Naratriptan to try to prevent a migraine attack.

Can I take a second Naratriptan 2.5 mg tablet?

If the first Naratriptan tablet provides relief but your migraine symptoms later return, you may take a second 2.5 mg tablet.

• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not take more than two 2.5 mg tablets, equivalent to 5 mg, in any 24-hour period.
• If the first tablet does not relieve your migraine, do not take a second tablet for the same attack.

If you have kidney or liver impairment, the maximum dose is one 2.5 mg tablet in 24 hours. Naratriptan must not be used in severe kidney or liver impairment.

Who can take Naratriptan 2.5 mg?

Naratriptan 2.5 mg is intended for adults aged 18 to 65 years with a clear diagnosis of migraine.

It is not recommended for:

• Children and adolescents under 18 years.
• Adults over 65 years.

Naratriptan is not suitable for everyone. It must not be taken by people with certain heart or circulation conditions, a previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack, certain forms of high blood pressure, severe kidney or liver impairment, or an allergy to naratriptan or any of the tablet ingredients.

Can I take Naratriptan with other migraine medicines?

Do not take Naratriptan at the same time as another triptan or 5-HT1 receptor agonist, or medicines containing ergotamine or related medicines such as methysergide.

At least 24 hours should pass after taking Naratriptan before taking an ergotamine-containing medicine or another triptan or 5-HT1 receptor agonist. At least 24 hours should also pass after taking an ergotamine-containing medicine before taking Naratriptan.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking, have recently taken or might take.

Our service does not include a prescription. Instead, your treatment is supplied under a legal framework known as a Patient Group Direction (PGD). The process follows these steps:

1. Complete a health questionnaire

Provide information about your health, medical history, migraine symptoms, previous diagnosis and any medicines you currently take.

2. Pharmacist review

A pharmacist will review your responses and may contact you by phone or video call if further information is needed to support a safe and appropriate supply decision.

3. Private consultation

All interactions are confidential. You can discuss any questions about your migraine treatment and the appropriate use of sumatriptan.

4. Identity verification

You may be asked to provide identification to confirm that you are the intended user. This is typically required for your first order only.

5. Supporting information

You may be asked to provide additional information about your migraine history, previous treatments, medical conditions or medicines to support the pharmacist's assessment.

Your GP can be notified of your request and the outcome of the supply decision, if you wish us to do that.

Purchasing this medication does not guarantee supply. The decision to supply is made by the pharmacist based on the information provided. If supply is not appropriate, your order will be refunded.

Main ingredient: Naratriptan 2.5 mg, as naratriptan hydrochloride.

Excipients: check the information leaflet for the full list of ingredients.

What Naratriptan is used for

Naratriptan 2.5 mg tablets are used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura. They should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine and are not intended to prevent migraine attacks.

Adult dose

For adults aged 18 to 65 years:

• Take one 2.5 mg tablet after the migraine headache begins.
• It is best taken as early as possible after the headache starts, although it may be taken later during the attack.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.

If the migraine returns

If the first tablet helps but the migraine symptoms later return:

• A second 2.5 mg tablet may be taken.
• Leave at least 4 hours between the two doses.
• Do not take more than 5 mg, equivalent to two 2.5 mg tablets, in any 24-hour period.

If you have kidney or liver impairment, the maximum dose is one 2.5 mg tablet in 24 hours. Naratriptan must not be used in severe kidney or liver impairment.

If the first tablet does not work

If the first tablet does not relieve the migraine, do not take a second tablet for the same attack. Naratriptan may still be used for a subsequent migraine attack.

If Naratriptan does not provide relief, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Use with other migraine medicines

Do not take Naratriptan at the same time as ergotamine, medicines related to ergotamine, or another triptan or 5-HT1 receptor agonist.

At least 24 hours should pass between Naratriptan and these medicines.

If you take too much

Taking too much Naratriptan may make you unwell. If you take more than two tablets in 24 hours, contact your doctor for advice.

Always take Naratriptan exactly as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Do not use this medicine if

Do not take Naratriptan if:

• You are allergic to naratriptan or any of the other ingredients.
• You have had a heart attack or have heart disease, angina, coronary vasospasm or symptoms suggesting ischaemic heart disease.
• You have peripheral vascular disease or circulation problems in your legs that cause cramp-like pain when walking.
• You have previously had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
• You have moderate or severe high blood pressure, or mild high blood pressure that is not controlled.
• You have severe kidney impairment.
• You have severe liver impairment.
• You are taking ergotamine, an ergotamine-related medicine such as methysergide, or another triptan or 5-HT1 receptor agonist.

Naratriptan is not indicated for hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine.

Speak to your doctor before use

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Naratriptan if:

• You have kidney or liver problems.
• You are a heavy smoker or use nicotine replacement therapy and have risk factors for heart disease.
• You are a man over 40 with risk factors for heart disease.
• You have a known allergy to sulphonamide antibiotics, as there is a potential risk of hypersensitivity to Naratriptan.
• You have headaches that are frequent or occur every day. Taking medicines for headaches too frequently can make headaches worse.

Naratriptan should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine. Atypical headaches may require assessment to exclude other causes.

Age restrictions

Naratriptan is intended for adults aged 18 to 65 years.

It is not recommended for:

• People under 18 years.
• People over 65 years.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking Naratriptan.

Information about the use of Naratriptan during pregnancy is limited. It should only be considered when the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed for 24 hours after taking Naratriptan.

If you express breast milk during this period, discard it and do not give it to your baby.

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about medicines you are taking, have recently taken or may take.

In particular:

• Do not take Naratriptan at the same time as another triptan or 5-HT1 receptor agonist, such as sumatriptan or zolmitriptan.
• Do not take it at the same time as ergotamine or related medicines such as methysergide.
• Allow at least 24 hours between these migraine medicines and Naratriptan.
• Tell your doctor if you take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Serotonin syndrome has been reported when triptans are used with these medicines.
• Herbal preparations containing St John’s Wort may make side effects more likely.

Driving and using machines

Migraine itself and Naratriptan may cause drowsiness. If you are affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

Alcohol

No pharmacokinetic interaction between Naratriptan and alcohol has been identified.

Drowsiness or dizziness

Drowsiness and dizziness can occur. Take care when performing tasks that require concentration.

Chest pain or tightness

Naratriptan can cause heaviness, pressure, tightness or pain in the chest, throat or other parts of the body. These effects can be intense but usually pass quickly.

If chest pain or tightness does not pass quickly or becomes severe, do not take any more Naratriptan and get medical help immediately.

Serious allergic reactions

Rare allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms may include:

• Rash or hives.
• Itching.
• Wheezing.
• Swelling of the eyelids, face or lips.
• Collapse.

If you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking Naratriptan and contact a doctor immediately.

Lactose

Naratriptan tablets contain lactose. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Overdose

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you take more than two tablets in 24 hours, contact your doctor for advice.

Like all medicines, Naratriptan can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Frequency definitions

• Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people.
• Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people.
• Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people.
• Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people.
• Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people.

Serious side effects requiring urgent medical attention

Other side effects: nervous system, eyes, digestive system and general effects

Some symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and visual disturbance may also occur as part of the migraine attack itself.

Other side effects: heart, circulation, skin and blood pressure

If you experience side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Seek urgent medical help for serious or severe reactions as described above.