How does almotriptan compare with other triptans? A review of data from placebo-controlled clinical trials

Carl G.H. Dahlöf, David Dodick, Andrew J. Dowson, Julio Pascual

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Almotriptan, the new selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist, has a higher oral bioavailability than any other triptan, with more than two thirds of the administered dose absorbed within the first hour both inside and outside of a migraine attack. Gender or the presence of food in the stomach does not affect its pharmacokinetic profile, and the compound has no clinically relevant interactions with other drugs. Among the available triptans, response rates at 2 hours range from 50% to 80%, with 20% to 50% of patients pain-free. Almotriptan 12.5 mg provides similar efficacy, with significant advantage over placebo at 30 minutes and a reliable consistency (75% in two of three attacks). Headache typically recurs in 25% to 45% of patients with most triptans. The recurrence rate with almotriptan 12.5 mg, 18% to 27%, is among the lowest reported. The tolerability of almotriptan 12.5 mg is close to that of placebo with a low incidence of central nervous system side effects and chest symptoms. In conclusion, almotriptan's consistent pharmacokinetics and good efficacy, in combination with excellent tolerability, make it an attractive choice in the acute treatment of migraine attacks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-113
Number of pages15
JournalHeadache
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Almotriptan
  • Drug tolerability
  • Efficacy
  • Migraine
  • Triptans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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