Medicine & USMLE

Triptans

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Neuro Drugs
  1. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  2. Cholinergic Crisis
  3. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  4. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  5. Donepezil
  6. Memantine
  7. Scopolamine
  8. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  9. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  10. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  11. Propofol
  12. Halothane / Flurane
  13. Opioids
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Lidocaine
  16. Ergotamine
  17. Triptans
  18. Pregabalin
  19. Gabapentin
  20. Ramelteon

Summary

Triptans are a class of medications easily recognizable by their triptan ending. Sumatriptan is the most common drug in this class, but other drug names include zolmitriptan and rizatriptan. The triptans are clinically used to treat the pain associated with migraine headaches.

Key Points

  • Triptans
    • Key Drugs
      • Sumatriptan
      • Zolmitriptan
      • Rizatriptan
    • Mechanism
      • Serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist
        • Causes vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries
          • Contraindicated in patients with history of stroke
        • Blocks release of substance P and other vasoactive molecules that cause headache
    • Clinical Use
      • Migraine headache
        • Often given in combination with an NSAID
        • Helps to stop pain (abortive treatment) after onset of acute headache
      • Cluster headaches
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Dizziness
      • Drowsiness
      • Dry mouth
      • Nausea, vomiting
      • Fatigue, weakness