Clinical pharmacology of triptans

The 5HTI(B/D) receptor antagonists currently used for the treatment of migr aine headache all belong to the "triptan" group of drugs and have a chemica l formula derived from serotonin. This structural similarity explains in pa rt We MAC-A metabolism of certain triptan drugs used in human medicine. Che mical substitutions explain the variable role of different cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and differences in terms of drug interactions. Beyond the analysis of clinical trials, the pharmacologist must examine We epidemiological data on triptans. Prescription studies show an erroneously frequent use of sumatriptan for non-migraine headache. A low percentage of patients consume a large proportion of the sumatriptan prescribed and could be considered as "drug abusers': Epidemiological observation provides bett er knowledge of adverse effects and a better statistical definition of risk . The high cost of triptans, compared with older drugs, suggests the need to examine the pharmacoeconomical aspects of the question. Much more costly th an ergot derivatives, triptans have a favorable cost-benefit and cost-usefu lness ratio as is demonstrated by the reduction in loss of productivity imp roved quality of life, and cost effectiveness studies.