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Prophylaxis of hemicrania continua: three cases effectively treated with acemethacin

Krzysztof J Nicpoń1, Krzysztof W Nicpoń, Joanna Jaroszuk-Nicpoń

  • 1Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland. nicpek@wp.pl

Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|November 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hemicrania continua patients may benefit from acemethacin, an alternative to indomethacin. This study shows acemethacin effectively treats headache with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hemicrania continua is a chronic headache disorder featuring unilateral, continuous pain with superimposed exacerbations and autonomic symptoms.
  • Indomethacin is the diagnostic standard but often causes gastrointestinal adverse events, limiting its therapeutic use.
  • There is a clinical need for alternative treatments for hemicrania continua due to indomethacin's side effect profile.

Observation:

  • This study observed three patients diagnosed with hemicrania continua.
  • These patients were treated with acemethacin as an alternative therapeutic option.

Findings:

  • Acemethacin demonstrated effective treatment for hemicrania continua in all three observed patients.
  • The patients experienced no adverse gastrointestinal events during acemethacin therapy.
  • Acemethacin appears to offer a favorable therapeutic profile with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity compared to indomethacin.

Implications:

  • Acemethacin represents a promising alternative therapeutic agent for managing hemicrania continua.
  • This finding suggests acemethacin could expand treatment options for patients intolerant to indomethacin.
  • Further research into acemethacin for hemicrania continua is warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety profile.

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