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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
SUMATRIPTAN: a receptor-targeted treatment for migraine
1Stroke Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Annual Review of Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Sumatriptan, a novel molecular treatment for migraine, targets 5-HT1-like receptors to relieve acute headache, nausea, and photophobia. This indole derivative offers a selective mechanism and favorable safety profile for migraine patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Migraine treatment has entered a new molecular era with the introduction of sumatriptan.
- Sumatriptan is a non-ergot alkaloid, indole derivative.
- It acts as an agonist at 5-HT1-like receptors, specifically the 5-HT1D subtype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanism of action of sumatriptan.
- To summarize emerging clinical experience with sumatriptan.
- To highlight sumatriptan as the first receptor-selective antimigraine medication.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data on sumatriptan efficacy and safety.
- Analysis of sumatriptan's pharmacological properties.
- Comparison with existing migraine treatments.
Main Results:
- Sumatriptan effectively relieves headache, nausea, and photophobia in most acute migraine patients.
- The drug exhibits favorable side effect and safety profiles.
- Sumatriptan's mechanism involves a novel pathway shared by other migraine treatments like dihydroergotamine.
Conclusions:
- Sumatriptan represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological treatment of acute migraine.
- Its receptor-selective action and novel mechanism offer a new therapeutic approach.
- Emerging clinical data support sumatriptan's efficacy and safety in managing migraine symptoms.
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