Medicine & USMLE

Triptans

1,009 views
Neuro Drugs
  1. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  2. Levetiracetam
  3. Valproic Acid
  4. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  5. Cholinergic Crisis
  6. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  7. Lidocaine
  8. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  9. Naltrexone
  10. Pregabalin
  11. Scopolamine
  12. Phenytoin
  13. Ethosuximide
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Opioids
  16. Memantine
  17. Halothane / Flurane
  18. Donepezil
  19. Propofol
  20. Ergotamine
  21. Triptans
  22. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  23. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  24. Gabapentin
  25. Lamotrigine
  26. Carbamazepine
  27. 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