A patient who has migraine headaches is prescribed sumatriptan [Imitrex] 5 mg unit-dose nasal spray. The patient has administered two sprays at 1400,1600,and 1800 and calls to report little relief from headache pain. What will the nurse instruct the patient to do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sumatriptan nasal spray may be used every 2 hours with a maximum 24-hour dose of 40 mg. The patient has already used 30 mg and another 2-spray dose will bring the total dose to 40 mg. The patient should be instructed to contact the provider if the next dose is not effective. Ergot alkaloids should not be given within 24 hours of a triptan. Increasing the next dose to 15 mg would exceed the 24-hour dose maximum.

A Patient Who Has Migraine Headaches Is Prescribed Sumatriptan [Imitrex]