Rizatriptan vs Sumatriptan: How Do These Treatments Compare
A migraine – also known as headaches that vary in intensity – is a common neurological disease. It is characterised by repeating attacks of moderate to severe throbbing, with those affected experiencing pulsing headaches on one side of the head. Fortunately, a range of medications are available to treat migraines, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we compare two common migraine pain relief medications available in the UK that are prescribed to treat migraines: Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan.
How Do Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan Compare?
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan are both selective 5-HT (1B/1D) receptor agonists that are prescribed to treat the symptoms of acute migraines. While they both are effective at relieving the symptoms of migraines, there are some key differences in dosage and chemical structure.
| Comparison | Rizatriptan Tablets | Sumatriptan Tablets |
| Active Ingredients | Rizatriptan benzoate. | Sumatriptan succinate. |
| Usage | Used to treat the symptoms of an acute migraine headache. | Used to treat the symptoms of an acute migraine headache. |
| Effectiveness | Once taken, Rizatriptan tablets generally work within 30 minutes. | Once taken, Sumatriptan tablets generally work within 30 to 60 minutes. |
| Ease of Use | Rizatriptan is available in an oral tablet. | Sumatriptan is available in an oral tablet, nasal spray, and subcutaneous solution. |
| Dosage and Directions of Use | Oral tablet: Rizatriptan 10 mg must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider.
| Oral tablet: Pre-filled syringes: Nasal Spray: 10 mg, 20 mg Sumatriptan must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider. If the migraine is not resolved by 2 hours after taking a dose of Sumatriptan or returns after little improvement, a second dose may be administered. The maximum daily dosage is 300 mg in a 24-hour period. |
| Side Effects |
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| Key Differences | Rizatriptan’s basic chemical structure does not have a sulphur group. Has a greater bioavailability, thus, is a faster-acting drug. | Sumatriptan’s basic chemical structure has a sulphur group. |
| Overall Satisfaction Rating | Rizatriptan reviews show a high approval rating. Most customers found this drug a very effective treatment option. Some customers mention that rizatriptan is the most effective drug for their migraines that they have been prescribed. | Sumatriptan has mostly positive reviews, with customers reporting quick and effective relief from their migraines. Some customers did report side effects, however, they were similar to the symptoms of their migraine. |
Who Can Use
Rizatriptan
Most adults can take rizatriptan tablets. However, before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Blood circulation problems
- Seizure
- Stroke or mini-stroke
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Liver disease
- Heart conditions
- You are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- If you have any allergies or are allergic to rizatriptan
Sumatriptan
Most adults can take sumatriptan tablets. The nasal spray is only approved for people under the age of 65. All forms of sumatriptan are not approved for children; however, a specialist doctor may prescribe it for children aged six years or older.
Sumatriptan is not suitable for everyone. To ensure that it is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Heart problems such as cardiovascular disease, angina (chest pain), heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
- An allergic reaction to sumatriptan or any other medication
- Seizures or fits
- Liver problems or liver disease
- Circulation problems in your legs (peripheral vascular disease)
- A stroke or mini-stroke
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- You are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding
Effectiveness
Rizatriptan
Rizatriptan works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. As a result, feelings of nausea and other symptoms that result from a migraine are blocked from being released from the brain.
Rizatriptan does not prevent migraines and only works when a migraine is active.
Research shows that 60 - 80% of patients achieve significant relief from a triptan.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is a new class of selective serotonin receptor agonists. This medication, like rizatriptan, works by blocking pain signals from getting through to the brain and narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
How quickly does each treatment take effect?
Rizatriptan
Once taken as soon as the migraine starts, Rizatriptan in tablet form will generally work within 30 minutes for some people. By 2 hours, there is a 60-70% chance that symptoms of an acute migraine will be treated.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan in tablet form, once taken as soon as the migraine starts, will generally work within 30 to 60 minutes.
Ease of Use
Rizatriptan
Rizatriptan is available in oral tablet form. It is taken whole orally with a full glass of water. An orally disintegrating tablet is also available. This tablet is placed in the mouth to dissolve. It should not be chewed.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is available in tablets, pre-filled syringes, and as a nasal spray. Tablets are swallowed whole with a glass of water. Pre-filled syringes (auto-injectors) are generally injected into the thigh and take 10 to 15 minutes to work. The nasal spray is sprayed into one nostril while the other is blocked with your finger.
It is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacists.
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan Dosage
Rizatriptan
An initial dose of 5 mg or 10 mg is prescribed for adults.
For children, once a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established:
- 6 years and older and weighing less than 40kg: Initial dose of 5 mg orally
- 6 years and older and weighing 40kg or greater: Initial dose of 10 mg orally
It is important to take your first dose of rizatriptan as soon as the symptoms of the migraine begin. Rizatriptan does not prevent migraines.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan comes as:
- A 10 mg and 20 mg nasal spray
- 50 mg and 100 mg oral tablet
- 3 mg and 6mg pre-filled syringes
The typical dose for a migraine is one 50mg tablet, with some people needing a 100mg tablet for severe relief.
It is important to take your first dose of sumatriptan as soon as the symptoms of the migraine begin. Sumatriptan does not prevent migraines.
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan Side Effects
Rizatriptan
Common side effects of rizatriptan may include:
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Pins and needles
- Upset stomach or diarrhoea
- Pain in the muscles
- Mild tremors
- Sensations of warmth or burning
Serious side effects may include:
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded
- Diarrhoea with blood
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the feet, legs, or hands
- Severe stomach pain
- Change in breathing pattern
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to rizatriptan and present with any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling around the face, throat and tongue
- A blistered, red or swollen rash with itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Sumatriptan
Common side effects of sumatriptan may include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness
- Flushing or unusual sensations or warmth
Serious side effects may include:
- Tightness or tingling in the chest
- Heaviness in your body
- Tightness or tingling elsewhere in the body, such as the arms, legs, or face
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sumatriptan may include:
- Wheezing or spluttering
- Trouble talking or breathing
- Severe tightness in the throat or chest
- Swelling in the face, throat, tongue, and lips
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to sumatriptan.
As with all side effects, not everyone may experience them. If you experience present mild side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects.
Key Difference Between Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan?
Key differences between rizatriptan and sumatriptan include dosage and formulations, mechanism of action, and chemical structure.
Rizatriptan
Rizatriptan is only available in the form of tablets or orally disintegrating tablets. 10 mg of rizatriptan is more effective than 50 mg or 100 mg of sumatriptan. Rizatriptan tablets work faster (30 minutes) than Sumatriptan tablets (30 minutes - 60 minutes), providing a faster onset relief.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is available in tablets, injections, or nasal sprays. Both sumatriptan and rizatriptan have similar tolerance levels and side effects. Sumatriptan contains a sulphur group in its basic chemical structure, whereas rizatriptan does not have a sulphur group. The molecular structure of rizatriptan has a higher affinity for lipids (fats) thus, it has a higher degree of penetration in the central nervous system.
Interactions with other Medicines
Rizatriptan
Medications that interact with Rizatriptan and should not be taken together include:
- Propranolol
- MAOIs such as Carbex, Parnate, Eldepryl, Nardil, and Marplan
- Certain medications for depression, psychotic disorders, or anxiety
- Ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine
- Other migraine medications such as almotriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan
Sumatriptan
Medications that interact with Sumatriptan and should not be taken together include:
- MAOIs such as Carbex, Parnate, Eldepryl, Nardil, and Marplan
- Certain medications for depression, psychotic disorders, or anxiety
- Ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine
- Other migraine medications such as Almotriptan, Rizatriptan, Zolmitriptan, and Naratriptan
Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are taking any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications, herbs, or dietary supplements.
How much does each cost
So, how much does each of these antimigraine medications cost?
| Medication | 3 Tablets | 6 Tablets | 12 Tablets | 18 Tablets |
| Rizatriptan 10 mg | £14.99 | £19.99 | £34.99 | N/A |
| Sumatriptan 50mg | £6.99 | £9.99 | £18.99 | £26.99 |
| Sumatriptan 100mg | N/A | £11.99 | £20.99 | £28.99 |
Thoughts from customers
Rizatriptan
Customers describe Rizatriptan as a fast-acting migraine reliever that effectively combats their painful associated symptoms. A few customers have commented that Rizatriptan is the most effective migraine medication for them over the years.
Sumatriptan
Most customers have positive reviews for Sumatriptan. They report that Sumatriptan is effective and quickly targets and reduces the symptoms of migraine. Some customers have mentioned side effects when taking this medication.
To learn more about customer experiences when using Sumatriptan, look at our sumatriptan reviews guide.
Conclusion
Both Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan are fast-acting and effective prescription medications for the treatment of acute migraines and associated symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, and pain.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss which medication is better for you. Following an online consultation with a Cloud pharmacist, they'll suggest the right medication that suits your needs and have it sent to you in discreet packaging the very next day.
FAQs
What are Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan, and how are they used?
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan are both selective 5-HT (1B/1D) receptor agonists used to treat the symptoms of acute migraines. These medications are specifically designed to alleviate the throbbing pain and other associated symptoms of a migraine attack. They are not used for migraine prevention but are taken at the onset of migraine symptoms to reduce their intensity and duration.
How do Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan work to relieve migraine symptoms?
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain pathways. This action helps reduce the inflammation and nerve pain associated with migraines, effectively relieving symptoms like headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Both drugs target serotonin receptors, which play a key role in migraine development.
What are the key differences between Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan?
The key differences between Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan include their chemical structure, bioavailability, onset of action, and formulation. Rizatriptan generally works faster, within 30 minutes, and does not contain a sulphur group in its chemical structure. Sumatriptan, on the other hand, has a sulphur group and is available in multiple forms, including tablets, injections, and nasal sprays. It can take 30 to 60 minutes to take effect.
Can Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan be taken together?
It is generally not recommended to take Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan together. Combining these medications can increase the risk of side effects and may not provide additional benefits in treating migraines. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining medications.
Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking Rizatriptan or Sumatriptan?
Consuming alcohol while taking Rizatriptan or Sumatriptan is not advisable. Alcohol can exacerbate the side effects of these medications, such as dizziness and drowsiness, and can also trigger or worsen migraine symptoms. It's best to avoid alcohol when using these migraine treatments.
Can I combine Rizatriptan or Sumatriptan with other pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Combining Rizatriptan or Sumatriptan with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen is generally considered safe and can be effective in providing additional pain relief. However, it's important to follow the dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's appropriate for your specific situation.
Where can Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan be purchased?
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan can be purchased from Cloud Pharmacy following an online consultation with a pharmacist. This ensures that the medication is suitable for you and allows for professional guidance on its usage.
Are Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan available without a prescription?
In the UK, both Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan require a prescription. They are unavailable over the counter due to the need for a medical professional to assess their suitability and ensure safe use based on individual health conditions and potential interactions with other medications.
