This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

5HT1 agonists

Authoring team

5HT1 agonists e.g. sumatriptan, are of considerable value in the treatment of acute migraine. Sumatriptan may be used during the established headache phase of a migraine attack. Sumatriptan may also be of value in the treatment of cluster headache.

Newer 5HT1 agonists include zolmitriptan, naratriptan and rizatriptan.

Cautions include:

  • conditions which predispose to conrary artery disease
  • pregnancy and breast feeding
  • hepatic impairment
  • 5HT1 agonists are recommended as monotherapy - a 5HT1 agonist should not be taken concurrently with other acute migraine treatments

Contra-indications include:

  • not to be used for migraine prophylaxis
  • ischaemic heart disease
  • previous myocardial infarction
  • coronary vasospasm e.g. Prinzmetal's angina
  • uncontrolled hypertension

Side effects include:

  • sensations of heat, tingling, heaviness, tightness or pressure of any part of the body including throat and chest - discontinue if intense, symptoms may be due to anaphylaxis or coronary vasoconstriction; dizziness, flushing, weakness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting also reported

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.