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Ischemic colitis and sumatriptan use
J F Knudsen1, B Friedman, M Chen
1Division of Neuropharmacologic Drug Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20857, USA.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|October 6, 1998
Summary
Sumatriptan succinate, a migraine treatment, may cause ischemic colitis. This serious side effect involves reduced blood flow to the colon, distinct from its intended cranial effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Sumatriptan succinate is a selective serotonin-1 (5-HT1) receptor agonist used for acute migraine treatment.
- It is known to cause cranial vasoconstriction, but systemic vasopressor responses have also been observed.
- Previous reports linked sumatriptan to coronary vasospasm, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction.
Observation:
- This study reports on 8 patients who developed ischemic colitis after sumatriptan administration.
- The observed cases highlight a potential gastrointestinal adverse effect of sumatriptan.
- Ischemic colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and tissue damage in the colon due to reduced blood supply.
Findings:
- Sumatriptan use was associated with the development of serious ischemic colitis in a cohort of migraine patients.
- These findings suggest that sumatriptan can induce vasospasm in the mesenteric circulation, leading to colonic ischemia.
- The adverse events were distinct from the drug's intended effects on intracranial arteries.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of ischemic colitis when prescribing sumatriptan.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying sumatriptan-induced mesenteric ischemia.
- This underscores the importance of monitoring for serious adverse events in patients using triptans for migraine management.