Sumatriptan: update and review

Abstract

Sumatriptan is the first of a novel class of medications referred to as triptans. Since its approval for migraine in the 1990s, six other triptan products have received FDA approval. Despite the proliferation of triptans, sumatriptan remains the most frequently prescribed product in this therapeutic class. Sumatriptan has been instrumental in defining a biological basis for migraine. It is effective in treating migraine with or without aura, well tolerated and, when properly prescribed, safe. Sumatriptan injection is the only member of the triptan class approved for treatment of cluster headache. Studies with sumatriptan have also advanced the therapeutic intervention paradigm that permits patients to treat earlier and avoid substantial disability. Numerous pharmacoeconomic studies have demonstrated that sumatriptan decreases work loss productivity and improves quality of life.

Lack of hemodynamic interaction between CGRP-receptor antagonist telcagepant (MK-0974) and sumatriptan: Results from a randomized study in patients with migraine

“…Therefore, triptans are contraindicated in patients with vascular disease and patients at increased risk for acute cardiovascular events. The most common, and highest, clinical oral dose of sumatriptan used is 100 mg (21). In previous studies evaluating the effects of sumatriptan on cardiovascular hemodynamics, effects were observed at doses ranging from 25 to 100 mg (22).…”

Sumatriptan improves postoperative quality of recovery and reduces postcraniotomy headache after cranial nerve decompression

“…These subjects could be more likely to benefit from sumatriptan. Sumatriptan has a rapid onset of action, 28 which might explain the lower headache score observed as early as 4 h after surgery. The elimination half-life of sumatriptan is 2 h, and we used a low dose (6 mg) without repetition.…”

A double-blind, randomized, multicenter, Italian study of frovatriptan versus almotriptan for the acute treatment of migraine

“…Triptans are selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, generally considered as safe and effective acute migraine drugs [2, 3]. Since the introduction of the first triptan, sumatriptan, almost 20 years ago, several triptans with different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and thus different efficacy and safety profiles, have been developed [3, 4]. Some of them are labeled as fast triptans and share similar characteristics with sumatriptan, the prototype triptan, displaying a rapid dose-dependent efficacy, with a higher risk of adverse effects, while others seem to have a more delayed onset of the relieving effect on migraine symptoms, but a more prolonged duration of action and a reduced rate of recurrent migraine attacks [5].…”