Pharmacokinetic evaluation of zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraines

Luana LionettoSapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, NESMOS Department, Rome, Italy

Barbara CasollaSapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, NESMOS Department, Rome, Italy

Fabiola MastropietriSapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, NESMOS Department, Rome, Italy

Lidia D'AlonzoSapienza University, Regional Referral Headache Centre, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy+39 06 33 77 67 78; +39 06 33 77 53 23; [email protected]

Andrea NegroSapienza University, Regional Referral Headache Centre, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy+39 06 33 77 67 78; +39 06 33 77 53 23; [email protected];Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Stroke and Neurovascular Regulation Lab, Boston, MA, USA

Maurizio SimmacoSapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, NESMOS Department, Rome, Italy

Paolo MartellettiSapienza University, Regional Referral Headache Centre, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy+39 06 33 77 67 78; +39 06 33 77 53 23; [email protected]

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Abstract

Introduction: Migraine is a multifactorial neurovascular disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of disabling pain attacks, accompanied with gastrointestinal, neurological systems dysfunction. The pharmacologic treatment of migraine is classically divided in the management of the acute attack and preventive strategies. Acute treatments consist of triptan, ergot, opioid, antiemetic and NSAIDs.

Areas covered: This article discusses pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan. The data were obtained by searching the following keywords in MEDLINE: zolmitriptan, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, triptans, migraine, menstrual-related migraine, cluster headache, relatively to the period 1989 – 2012.

Expert opinion: Zolmitriptan has been considered effective treatment in the acute phase of migraine, menstrual-related migraine and cluster headache attacks. Pharmacokinetic parameters may vary as a consequence of gender differences, inter- and intra-subjects variability and delivery system. Zolmitriptan was developed with the aim of obtaining a lipophilic compound in order to be more rapidly absorbed and centrally active. Pharmacologically, pharmacokinetic parameters are responsible for its wide efficacy and the limited adverse effect profile.

Keywords::

Acknowledgement

L Lionetto and B Casolla contributed equally to the manuscript.

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Pharmacokinetic evaluation of zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraines

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Pharmacokinetic evaluation of zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraines

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