Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Randomized, multicenter, open-label, crossover trial in which triptan-naïve patients treated two moderate/severe migraine attacks, the first with one triptan and the second with the other: 183 patients took rizatriptan followed by almotriptan and 189 treated in the reverse order. Patient preference was assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of those recording a preference (209), 54.5% preferred almotriptan, but statistical significance was not achieved. The main reason for preference for one or the other triptan was efficacy: 43% of patients preferring almotriptan gave faster headache relief as the reason and 34% cited faster return to normal activities. The corresponding values for rizatriptan were 47% and 38%. A significantly greater proportion of those preferring almotriptan cited fewer adverse events (AEs) as the reason. Almotriptan and rizatriptan were of comparable efficacy and both treatments were well tolerated; 9% of patients experienced AEs probably or possibly related to study medication after almotriptan vs 14% after rizatriptan. Almotriptan was associated with a significantly lower incidence of triptan-associated AEs in triptan-naïve patients (8.5% vs 18% with rizatriptan). CONCLUSION: Physicians should use information from meta-analyses and preference studies like this one to aid in the selection of a triptan with a high likelihood of providing rapid, sustained relief from pain coupled with an absence of AEs. About 55% of patients recording a preference in this trial preferred almotriptan, perhaps because of its combination of good efficacy and lower incidence of triptan-associated AEs.
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Authors | Fernando Iglesias Díez, Andreas Straube, Giorgio Zanchin |
Journal | Journal of neurology
(J Neurol)
Vol. 254
Issue 2
Pg. 242-9
(Feb 2007)
ISSN: 0340-5354 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 17334957
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists
- Triazoles
- Tryptamines
- almotriptan
- rizatriptan
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Cross-Over Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Meta-Analysis as Topic
- Middle Aged
- Migraine Disorders
(drug therapy)
- Patient Satisfaction
(statistics & numerical data)
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists
(therapeutic use)
- Single-Blind Method
- Time Factors
- Triazoles
(therapeutic use)
- Tryptamines
(therapeutic use)
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