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Tolfenamic acid is as effective as ergotamine during migraine attacks
Lancet (London, England)
|August 18, 1979
Summary
Tolfenamic acid effectively reduced migraine attack duration and intensity, similar to ergotamine tartrate. Patients preferred tolfenamic acid due to fewer side effects like nausea, supporting its role in migraine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder often treated with various medications.
- Prostaglandins are implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tolfenamic acid against ergotamine tartrate, acetylsalicylic acid, and placebo in treating acute migraine attacks.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, cross-over study involving twenty women and 160 migraine attacks.
- Administration of tolfenamic acid, ergotamine tartrate, acetylsalicylic acid, or placebo.
Main Results:
- Tolfenamic acid and ergotamine tartrate demonstrated equal effectiveness in reducing migraine duration and intensity.
- Tolfenamic acid was associated with a lower incidence of side effects, particularly nausea, compared to ergotamine tartrate.
- Patient preference favored tolfenamic acid due to better tolerability.
Conclusions:
- Tolfenamic acid is an effective treatment for acute migraine attacks.
- The findings support the hypothesis involving prostaglandins in migraine pathogenesis.
- Tolfenamic acid offers a favorable side-effect profile for migraine management.