NE 5.09 Drugs for Primary Headache Tx

Question 1

Sumatriptan is used to treat what type of headaches?

Answer 1

Acute migraines, Acute Cluster headaches,

Question 2

Describe the site and MOA for Sumatriptan

Answer 2

1. Site: Serotonin receptors

2. MOA: 5-HT-1D/1B agonists Cause vasoconstriction.

Question 3

Describe adverse effects and contraindications for Sumatriptan

Answer 3

1. Adverse Effects: Cardiac caution! Contraindicated in patients with CAD, angina, etc due to risk of coronary vasospasm. Don’t use along with Other vasoactive drugs.

Question 4

Ergotamine is used to treat what type of headaches?

Answer 4

1. Use: Acute migraine or Cluster Headaches. Frequent moderate or infrequent severe migraines.

Question 5

Describe the site and MOA for Ergotamine

Answer 5

1. Site: Serotonin receptors

2. MOA: Partial agonist of 5-HT-1D/1B Vasoconstriction

Question 6

Describe adverse effects and contraindications of Ergotamine

Answer 6

1. Adverse Effects: Nausea/vomiting, Cardiac (Contraindicated in patients with CAD, angina, etc due to risk of coronary vasospasm). Don’t use along with Other vasoactive drugs, Fetal distress (potential for causing smooth muscle contraction; potentially a contraindication)

Question 7

Name some common NSAID’s and what type of headaches they are used for

Answer 7

1. Ex: Aspirin, Ibuprofen with or without caffeine

2. Use: mild, acute migraine

Question 8

Describe the general MOA and side effects of NSAID’s

Answer 8

1. MOA: Inhibit Arachidonic acid Prostaglandins, thus preventing inflammation process.
2. Side Effects: Gastric irritants (ulcers, bleeds)

Question 9

What are some Analgesics used in the treatment of acute migraine?

Answer 9

Acetaminophen, Opioids

Question 10

Propanolol is what type of Drug class?

It is used to treat what type of headache?

Answer 10

B-Blocker

Prophylactic migraine tx

Question 11

Describe the general MOA for propanolol

Answer 11

Blocks B2 receptors and thus blocks cerebral vasodilation.

Question 12

Verapamil is what type of Drug class.

It is used to treat what type of headaches?

Answer 12

Calcium channel blocker
Prophylactic migraine tx
Cluster headache prophylaxis

Question 13

Botox can be use to treat what type of headache?

Answer 13

Migraine prophylaxis

Question 14

Amitrytpyline is of what drug class
It is used to treat what type of Headches?

Answer 14

Tricyclic antidepressant.

Migraine or tension headache prophylaxis

Question 15

SSRI’s can be used to treat what type of headache?

Name 2 examples

Answer 15

Migraine prophylaxis

Sertaline, Fluoxetine

Question 16

Valproic acid and Topiramate can be sued to treat what type of headache?

Answer 16

Migraine prophylaxis.

Question 17

What are 3 methods of treating acute cluster headaches?

Answer 17

Triptans, High flow oxygen, Ergots

Question 18

Prednisone can be used to treat what type of headache?

Answer 18

Cluster prophylaxis

Question 19

Name some drugs for treatment of acute tension headaches.

Answer 19

NSAID’s or OTC analgesics for symptomatic treatment.

Question 20

Describe the indication, MOA and side effects for Amitriptyline.

Answer 20

1. Use: Prophylactic treatment of tension headaches. Not to be used as an Initial treatment.
2. MOA: Block amine reuptake.
3. Adverse effects: CNS depressants, Caution with CVS history.