Headaches Flashcards
Treatment of headaches should begin with?
Non-pharmacological methods
Migraine treatment is classified as?
Specific/Nonspecific acute/abortive/symptomatic & preventive/prophylactic
Analgesics for migraine treatment are…
Nonspecific, Acute
Analgesics used for migraines?
aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, indomethacin, piroxicam, diclofenac, ibuprofen
Analgesic combination useful for moderate migraine?
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine (Excedrin)
Barbiturates for migraine treatment are…
Nonspecific, Acute
Have barbiturates been shown effective in RCTs?
No
Barbiturates frequent side effects?
Drowsiness, dizziness, risk of overuse & withdrawal
Opioids for migraine treatment are…
Nonspecific, Acute
Opioids used for migraines?
Codein, meperidine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine, methadone, butorphanol
Risks of opioid use?
High risk of overuse and development of chronic daily headaches – Should not be used more than 2 days/week
When are opioids for migraines most useful?
In pregnant patients (many other meds will be contraindicated)
Steroids for migraine treatment are…
Nonspecific, Acute
Steroids are most useful for?
Prolonged headache state (“status migrainosus”)
Ergotamines for migraine treatment are…
Specific, Acute
Ergotamine mxn?
Alpha-adrenergic & Serotonergic agonist
Ergotamine in combo with? Given as?
Caffeine; Oral tablet or suppository
Dihydroergotamine mxn?
Weak vasoconstrictor, 5HT1BD agonist: acts to reduce cell activity in the trigeminovascular system
DHE given as?
Nasal spray, IM, IV
DHE IV for?
status migrainosus
Common side effects of ergotamine and DHE?
Nausea (ergotamines more so than DHE), vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain, dizziness
Ergotamine and DHE contraindicated in?
Pregnant women, uncontrolled HTN, sepsis, renal or hepatic failure, peripheral/coronary/cerebral vascular disease
Ergotamine and DHE use should not exceed…
2 dosage days/week
Premier migraine abortive meds?
Triptans
Triptans for migraine treatment are…
Speficic, acute
Name the seven available triptans.
Almotriptan, Eletriptan, Frovatriptan, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan
Most widely used triptan?
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is most effective given as?
SC (versus oral or nasal)
Triptan mxn?
5HT1BD agonists: Penetrate the CNS and cause vasocnstriction of extracerebral intracranial vessels and inactivation of the trigeminal system.