Frovatriptan review.

Färkkilä Markus, Kallela Mikko

University Hospital Helsinki, Department of Neurology, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy 2007 Dec

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Frovatriptan belongs to the triptan compounds used for the acute treatment of migraine. Its affinity for the migraine-specific serotonin 5HT1B-receptors is highest in the class. Its long half-life in plasma (26 h) and metabolism by multiple pathways are unique characteristics among the triptans. These features can translate into long duration of action and low risk of interactions with other drugs. Frovatriptan has been effective and well tolerated over a wide range of doses in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled acute migraine trials and long-term, open-label trials. The 2.5-mg dose is recommended for both efficacy and a favourable side effect profile for acute migraine treatment. Frovatriptan has the lowest headache recurrence rate of all the triptans. Frovatriptan was better tolerated than sumatriptan in a head-to-head comparison study. Frovatriptan could make its mark especially in slowly progressing migraine attacks and in attacks that are highly predictable. For example, for the short-term prophylaxis of menstrual migraine, frovatriptan is the triptan of first choice.