Tolfenamic acid is as effective as ergotamine during migraine attacks.

Abstract

Tolfenamic acid (a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis), ergotamine tartrate, acetylsalicylic acid, or placebo was administered during 160 migraine attacks in twenty women in a double-blind, cross-over study. Tolfenamic acid and ergotamine were equally effective in reducing the duration and intensity of attacks, but side-effects, especially nausea, were less common with tolfenamic acid. This probably accounted for the patients' preference for tolfenamic acid. The effectiveness of tolfenamic acid in acute migraine attacks accords with the postulated role of prostaglandins in migraine.

• Authors: H Hakkarainen, H Vapaatalo, G Gothoni, J Parantainen
• Journal: Lancet (London, England) (Lancet) Vol. 2 Issue 8138 Pg. 326-8 (Aug 18 1979) ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England
• PMID: 89390 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Placebos
• Prostaglandin Antagonists
• Vasoconstrictor Agents
• ortho-Aminobenzoates
• tolfenamic acid
• Ergotamine
• Aspirin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Chemical Phenomena
• Chemistry
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Consumer Behavior
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Evaluation
• Ergotamine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Migraine Disorders (drug therapy)
• Nausea (chemically induced)
• Placebos
• Prostaglandin Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Vasoconstrictor Agents
• ortho-Aminobenzoates (therapeutic use)