Clinicopharmacological comparative study of rizatriptan versus conventional therapy in migraine

Migraine is a common neurological problem, which accounts for large morbidity and disability. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and triptans are mainly used to terminate the attack of moderate to severe migraine. This study compared the safety, efficacy and pharmaco-economics of rizatriptan (5HT(IB/ID) agonist) versus conventional therapy (paracetamol 500 mg + metoclopramide 10 mg + flunarizine 10 mg + alprazolam 0.5 mg). In this study, drug combinations used in conventional therapy was indigenously designed by the neurologist. Rizatriptan was found more efficacious than conventional therapy in terminating an attack of migraine and its' associated symptoms but looking into the contra-indications, side-effects and cost of the former there has been limitation in its prescription as well as the use.