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The Journal of Headache and Pain
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain 3/2011

Open Access 01-06-2011 | Review Article

Optimal balance of efficacy and tolerability of oral triptans and telcagepant: a review and a clinical comment

Author: Peer Tfelt-Hansen

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 3/2011

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Abstract

Dose–response curves for headaches relief and adverse events (AEs) are presented for five triptans: sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, almotriptan, and frovatriptan, and the CGRP antagonist telcagepant. The upper part of the efficacy curve of the triptans is generally flat, the so-called ceiling effect; and none of the oral triptans, even in high doses, are as effective as subcutaneous sumatriptan, In contrast, AEs increases with increasing dose without a ceiling effect. The optimal dose for the triptans is mainly determined by tolerability. Telcagepant has an excellent tolerability and can be used in migraine patients with cardiovascular co-morbidity. Based on the literature the triptans and telcagepant are rated in a table for efficacy and tolerability.
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Metadata
Title
Optimal balance of efficacy and tolerability of oral triptans and telcagepant: a review and a clinical comment
Author
Peer Tfelt-Hansen
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-011-0309-5

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