Speed of Onset and Efficacy of Sumatriptan Fast-Disintegrating/ Rapid-Release Tablets: Pooled Results of Two Replicate, Randomised, PlaceboControlled Studies

Sumatriptan: update and review

Sumatriptan is the first of a novel class of medications referred to as triptans. Since its approval for migraine in the 1990s, six other triptan products have received FDA approval. Despite the proliferation of triptans, sumatriptan remains the most frequently prescribed product in this therapeutic class. Sumatriptan has been instrumental in defining a biological basis for migraine. It is effective in treating migraine with or without aura, well tolerated and, when properly prescribed, safe. Sumatriptan injection is the only member of the triptan class approved for treatment of cluster headache. Studies with sumatriptan have also advanced the therapeutic intervention paradigm that permits patients to treat earlier and avoid substantial disability. Numerous pharmacoeconomic studies have demonstrated that sumatriptan decreases work loss productivity and improves quality of life.

EFNS guideline on the drug treatment of migraine - report of an EFNS task force

Migraine is one of the most frequent disabling neurological conditions with a major impact on the patients' quality of life. To give evidence-based or expert recommendations for the different drug treatment procedures of the different migraine syndromes based on a literature search and an consensus in an expert panel. All available medical reference systems were screened for all kinds of clinical studies on migraine with and without aura and on migraine-like syndromes. The findings in these studies were evaluated according to the recommendations of the EFNS resulting in level A,B, or C recommendations and good practice points. For the acute treatment of migraine attacks, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and triptans are recommended. The administration should follow the concept of stratified treatment. Before intake of NSAIDs and triptans, oral metoclopramide or domperidon is recommended. In very severe attacks, intravenous acetylsalicylic acid or subcutaneous sumatriptan are drugs of first choice. A status migrainosus can probably be treated by steroids. For the prophylaxis of migraine, betablockers (propranolol and metoprolol), flunarizine, valproic acid, and topiramate are drugs of first choice. Drugs of second choice for migraine prophylaxis are amitriptyline, naproxen, petasites, and bisoprolol.