Drugs for Migraine Flashcards
What does “abortive treatment” mean, and what 4 classes of drugs are used as abortive treatments for migraine?
Stops a migraine that has already started; triptans, ergot alkaloids, analgesics, antiemetics
Which 2 migraine drugs are indicated for moderate to severe migraines?
Triptans and ergot alkaloids
Which 1 migraine drug is indicated for mild and/or infrequent migraines?
Analgesics
Why are anti-emetics useful?
Treating nausea with migraine
What 5 classes of drugs are used as preventative treatments for migraine?
Beta blockers, antiepileptics, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, botox
At what 2 receptors do triptans bind to produce their therapeutic actions in migraine?
5-HT 1B, 1D
Are triptans agonists or antagonists at these receptors?
agonists
Normal function of 5-HT 1B, 1D receptors
1B = autoreceptor (reduces neurotransmission)
1D = vasoconstriction
At what receptors do ergot alkaloids likely bind to produce their therapeutic actions in migraine?
5-HT 1B and 1D
Which are more selective in their receptor binding profiles - triptans or ergot alkaloids?
triptans
What is the term for the cluster of triptan side effects that includes paresthesia, flushing, neck tightness and chest pressure?
Triptan sensations
Why are both triptans and ergot alkaloids contra-indicated in patients with cardiovascular disease?
b/c of cardiac side effects(rare) due to vasoconstriction activity
Why are ergot alkaloids contra-indicated in pregnancy?
can cause miscarriage
Abortive migraine drugs (give 5 examples)
rizatriptan
sumatriptan
zolmitriptan
ergotamine
dihydroergotamine
preventative migraine drugs (4 examples)
beta blockers: propranolol and timolol
antiepileptics: valproic acid and topiramate
