THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE WITH SUMATRIPTA N - CONSENSUS

Sumatriptan is a new drug for the acute treatment of severe migraine a ttacks. Its high price justifies a specialist consensus on its use. Or al sumatriptan should only be given when the treatment of attacks acco rding to the guidelines recommended by the German Migraine and Headach e Society, has failed. Subcutaneous sumatriptan is indicated in patien ts who are unable to swallow tablets because of early vomiting, or whe n suppositories cannot be used due to initial diarrhoea. A relative in dication is a severe attack during a house visit, in outpatient clinic or in surgery. Another relative indication for oral or subcutaneous s umatriptan is when a rapid effect is needed in a stress situation. In the case of frequent migraine attacks at least two migraine prophylact ic treatments should be tried first. Patients who abuse ergotamine or other drugs are unsuitable. A precise documentation of the reasons lea ding to the prescription of sumatriptan is recommended.