Open-label trial of cinnarizine in migraine prophylaxis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effectiveness and safety of cinnarizine as a migraine-preventive therapy.

METHODS:

Sixty patients with more than 2 migraine headache attacks during a 4-week baseline entered the study and received a 25-mg tablet cinnarizine twice daily for the first 3 days and then 3 times daily. They were assessed on weeks 2, 6, 10, and 14. Reduction from baseline in 4-week migraine headache rate was the primary efficacy variable. Reduction in migraine attacks duration and severity was also evaluated.

RESULTS:

The mean reduction in 4-week migraine headache rate was 4.6 +/- 2.2 from the baseline of 6.2 +/- 2.2 after 14 weeks of treatment, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Percent reduction in 4-week migraine frequency was 35% after 2 weeks, 74% after 6 weeks, 74% after 10 weeks, and 75% after 14 weeks of treatment. Significant reduction in attack duration (P < 0.001) and severity (P < 0.001) was also noted. No serious adverse events were observed in this series of patient.

CONCLUSION:

Cinnarizine is an efficacious and well-tolerated prophylactic antimigraine medication, which has early onset effectiveness.

• Authors: Mansooreh Togha, Hossein Ashrafian, Parvin Tajik
• Journal: Headache (Headache) Vol. 46 Issue 3 Pg. 498-502 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 0017-8748 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16618269 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Histamine H1 Antagonists
• Cinnarizine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Calcium Channel Blockers (therapeutic use)
• Cinnarizine (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Histamine H1 Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Migraine Disorders (prevention & control)