Anti-Migraine Therapies

Flunarizine is a difluorinated piperazine derivative that acts as a selective, long-acting calcium channel blocker with additional antihistaminic, dopamine D2-blocking, and antiserotonergic actions. It prevents cellular calcium overload under ischemic and hyper-excitable conditions in cerebral neurons without altering normal myocardial or vascular tone. Indicated for migraine prophylaxis in patients with frequent severe attacks, vestibular vertigo, and refractory partial seizures (adjunct).

Flunarizine is a difluorinated piperazine derivative that acts as a selective, long-acting calcium channel blocker with additional antihistaminic, dopamine D2-blocking, and antiserotonergic actions. It prevents cellular calcium overload under ischemic and hyper-excitable conditions in cerebral neurons without altering normal myocardial or vascular tone. Indicated for migraine prophylaxis in patients with frequent severe attacks, vestibular vertigo, and refractory partial seizures (adjunct).

Rizatriptan Benzoate is a second-generation selective serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist with rapid oral absorption (onset of pain relief within 30 minutes). It selectively constricts painfully distended cranial vessels and inhibits trigeminal calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. Indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

Rizatriptan Benzoate is a second-generation selective serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor agonist with rapid oral absorption (onset of pain relief within 30 minutes). It selectively constricts painfully distended cranial vessels and inhibits trigeminal calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. Indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

Sumatriptan is a pioneer selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan) on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Activation of vascular 5-HT1B receptors mediates vasoconstriction of painfully dilated dural and meningeal blood vessels, while stimulation of neuronal 5-HT1D receptors on trigeminal perivascular nerves inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides (CGRP, substance P). Indicated for the acute abortive treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults.