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Exercise testing in patients with chest pain to sumatriptan.

OBJECTIVES: In order to assess whether chest pain attributed to sumatriptan is associated with abnormalities on cardiac exercise testing, we performed a case-control study. SUBJECTS: Cases were selected as consumers of sumatriptan who reported sumatriptan associated chest pain. A reference group was selected randomly from consumers of sumatriptan with the same GP as the case, who reported no chest pain after use of sumatriptan. If possible, controls were matched for age (within 5-year groups) and gender. OUTCOMES: In a total of 74 cases and 55 controls symptom-limited exercise tests were performed. Besides a small difference in age, there were no differences in basic characteristics between cases and controls. Three cases had ST-depression on ECG during exercise. However, none of the variables measured during exercise testing differed significantly between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of abnormal exercise tests in patients with sumatriptan-induced chest pain is low, and not statistically different from patients without chest pain after intake of sumatriptan. Routine performance of exercise testing in patients with sumatriptan-associated chest pain is not recommended.

Adult↗

Effect of sumatriptan, a selective 5-HT1-like receptor agonist, on pial vessel diameter in anaesthetised cats.

The action of sumatriptan, a selective 5-HT1-like receptor agonist that is effective for the acute treatment of migraine, was compared on pial vessel diameter following perivascular or intravenous administration to anaesthetised cats. Sumatriptan (0.01-10 microM), when microinjected perivascularly, caused a decrease in pial artery diameter (maximum change of -19 +/- 9%; mean +/- SD) but had no effect on the diameter of pial veins. Sumatriptan (1 microM)-induced pial artery vasoconstriction was unaffected by coadministration of ketanserin (1 microM) or ondansetron (1 microM) but was significantly (p less than 0.01) attenuated by methiothepin (1 microM). Intravenous infusion of a clinically effective dose of sumatriptan (64 micrograms/kg/10 min) caused selective carotid vasoconstriction (22 +/- 6% increase in carotid vascular resistance with little or no change in blood pressure or heart rate) and no change in pial artery diameter, although sumatriptan (1 microM) administered perivascularly in these animals before and after the infusion caused pial artery vasoconstriction. These results demonstrate that perivascularly administered sumatriptan causes pial artery vasoconstriction via activation of 5-HT1-like receptors. However, intravenously administered sumatriptan does not cause pial artery vasoconstriction, which suggests that sumatriptan does not readily penetrate the cerebrovascular intima.

Animals↗

5-HT1D receptor agonists and human coronary artery reactivity in vitro: crossover comparisons of 5-HT and sumatriptan with rizatriptan and L-741,519.

1. Rizatriptan (MK-462, (N,N-dimethyl-2-[5-(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl] ethylamine)) and its structurally related analogue L-741,519 (N-methyl-4-[5-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-1H-indol-3-yl]piperidine) are novel 5-HT1D-receptor agonists. Rizatriptan has shown efficacy as an anti-migraine agent in clinical trials. Since angiographic studies in patients have shown that sumatriptan (an established 5-HT1D-receptor agonist) can cause coronary artery vasoconstriction, we compared the effects of rizatriptan and L-741,519 with those of 5-HT and sumatriptan on endothelium-denuded segments of human coronary artery in vitro. 2. Coronary arteries were obtained from explanted hearts from patients undergoing cardiac transplantation (n = 16 viable arteries from 13 males, 3 females, aged 38-68 years) and arterial segments (5-6 mm in length) were mounted in organ baths for isometric tension recording. Each segment was first exposed to 45mM KCl and then to 5-HT (1 nM-100 microM). Concentration-effect curves to rizatriptan and sumatriptan (Study 1, n = 6 or 7 arteries) or sumatriptan and L-741,519 (Study 2, n = 8 arteries) were then performed in a consecutive and random manner. The response to repeated application of 5-HT was obtained in separate segments. 3. One artery showed severe atheroma and was not included in the analysis. ANOVA showed that 5-HT responsiveness varied significantly between arteries from different patients; but not between arterial segments from the same patient. Desensitization was seen consistently across all agonists but did not significantly affect inter-agonist comparisons. 4. There was graded effectiveness in the ability of the agonists to cause contraction with the rank order of Emax values being 5-HT >> sumatriptan > L-741,519 > rizatriptan. In terms of EC50 values, L-741,519 was significantly more potent than sumatriptan. 5. The present study (using a 'cross-over' experimental protocol) confirms our previous observation that rizatriptan is less effective than sumatriptan in causing contraction of human isolated coronary artery. Furthermore, it shows that the lower maximum contractile response to rizatriptan, compared with that of sumatriptan, is not merely the consequence of variability in response to 5-HT1D-receptor agonists between patients or between segments from the same artery.

Adult↗

Use of sumatriptan in Denmark in 1994-5: an epidemiological analysis of nationwide prescription data.

AIMS: We describe the use of medication with symptomatic relief of migraine as specific indication by analysing prescription data from the entire Danish population in 1994 and 1995. METHODS: The data for sumatriptan were analysed at the level of the individual user. We used aggregated data for ergotamine drugs. RESULTS: Sumatriptan constituted 46% of the total amount of defined daily doses (DDD) sold and 94% of the total pharmacy retail price expenses in the drug-group studied. In total, 43389 users of sumatriptan were identified who presented 340148 prescriptions, corresponding to 2.2 million DDD of sumatriptan. The quarterly consumption increased by 50% during the study period. Tablets accounted for 92% of consumption. The 1 year period prevalence of use of sumatriptan among persons 16 years and older was 7.8 per 1000 in 1995 with a female to male prevalence ratio of 3.8:1. Use was most common in the age interval 35-54 years. Regional differences in use, which were not large, were positively correlated to the degree of urbanization. The incidence of use of sumatriptan was estimated at 3.6 per 1000 person-years. The intensity of use of sumatriptan varied greatly with 1.1% of patients (n = 507) using 60 DDD or more within 30 days at some time during the observation period. Long-term high use of tablets was common in this group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that sumatriptan had a considerable impact on the treatment of migraine with prescription drugs in Denmark. The underlying reasons for high use of the drug in a smaller fraction of the patients deserve further study.

Adolescent↗

The mode of action of sumatriptan is vascular? A debate.

Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the primary mode of action of sumatriptan: vasoconstriction, and trigeminal nerve terminal inhibition. Sumatriptan is a potent vasoconstrictor of intracranial arteries. It has been shown to increase blood flow velocity in large intracranial arteries in man in a dose-dependent fashion both during and between migraine attacks. Since the vasoconstrictor response of sumatriptan is reproducible outside the migraine attack, this action appears to be a direct vascular effect and not indirectly mediated via neural mechanisms. Sumatriptan also causes rapid constriction of dural and meningeal vessels in vivo. It does not modify cerebral blood flow but does constrict arterio-venous anastamoses that may be dilated during a migraine attack. This evidence suggests that sumatriptan has a direct, dose-related, vasoconstrictor action on certain intracranial blood vessels that correlates with its antimigraine activity. Alternatively, sumatriptan may act directly on the trigeminal sensory nerve terminals within the cranial blood vessel, inhibiting the release of sensory neuropeptides. Experimental data from animal studies have shown that following electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion there is a neurogenic inflammatory response with plasma protein extravasation from dural blood vessels. This response can be significantly reduced by sumatriptan at a dose level similar to that used in clinical treatment. This finding is further supported by the clinical observation that sumatriptan reduces the plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide which are raised during a migraine attack.

Animals↗

Chest symptoms after sumatriptan: a two-year clinical practice review in 735 consecutive migraine patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess, in clinical practice, the (i) incidence, (ii) within-patient consistency, and (iii) clinical spectrum of chest symptoms (chest symptoms) after subcutaneous (sc) and oral sumatriptan, and (iv) to identify risk factors for chest symptoms. DESIGN: Two-year retrospective survey with mailed self-administered questionnaire. SETTING: Neurology outpatient clinic of university hospital. SUBJECTS: Migraine patients with or without aura (n = 869). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, within-patient consistency and characteristics of chest symptoms; demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. RESULTS: There were 735 (85%) respondents. Sumatriptan was used by 453 patients, during 25 months (median), for 28000 attacks (median: 33 attacks/patient). Of sumatriptan users, 41% (sc) and 24% (oral) had chest symptoms in all attacks, 39% (sc) and 58% (oral) in none, and the remaining in some attacks. Because of chest symptoms, 10% discontinued sumatriptan. Chest symptoms mostly consisted of heavy arms and chest pressure, started within 5 (sc) to 30 (oral) min, and lasted 30 (sc) to 60 (oral) min. Compared with patients without chest symptoms, patients with chest symptoms more often were females and younger, and went to rest immediately after sumatriptan administration (all p < 0.001); they also tended to have lower body mass indices, more severe attacks and less efficacy of sumatriptan (all 0.001 < p < 0.05). Patients with chest symptoms had no higher incidence of cardiovascular symptoms or risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Chest symptoms are frequent, within-patients consistent, but rarely important, adverse events of (notably sc) sumatriptan. The risk of chest symptoms is patient-dependent and not related, even opposite, to cardiovascular disease. This contradicts the hypothesis that chest symptoms after sumatriptan are caused by cardiac ischemia. Patient acceptance of chest symptoms is improved by pre-advising on the risk and nature of chest symptoms.

Adult↗

Oral and subcutaneous sumatriptan in the acute treatment of migraine: an open randomized cross-over study.

In an open, randomized cross-over study in 124 patients, we compared the efficacy, safety and patient preference of oral and subcutaneous sumatriptan in the acute treatment of migraine. Patients were treated for 3 attacks or 3 months and then crossed over. Primary clinical efficacy was defined as a reduction in headache severity on a four-point self-rating scale from severe (3) or moderate (2) to mild (1) or none (0), or mild (1) to none (0). Efficacy was evaluated 2 h after the administration of subcutaneous and 4 h after the administration of oral sumatriptan. Subcutaneous sumatriptan was significantly more effective than oral sumatriptan in relieving headache (over all three attacks 78% vs 61% improvement), improving clinical disability (55% vs 41% improvement) and relieving nausea (69% vs 53%), vomiting (72% vs 32%) and phono- or photophobia (67% vs 49%). Median time to recurrence was shorter after subcutaneous (12.5 h) than after oral sumatriptan (18 h); the number of patients experiencing a recurrence was similar. Patients reported more adverse events after subcutaneous sumatriptan (1.32 per attack) than after the oral form (0.85 per attack), but all adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity and of short duration. Patient opinion was more often positive after subcutaneous sumatriptan. These results may be useful in counselling patients to choose between the available marketed formulations of sumatriptan.

Administration, Oral↗

Preference comparison of rizatriptan ODT 10-mg and sumatriptan 50-mg tablet in migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the proportion of patients who prefer rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) 10-mg to sumatriptan 50-mg tablet. BACKGROUND: Migraineurs express treatment preference based on a variety of attributes including the speed of pain relief and medication formulation. Rizatriptan ODT is an orally disintegrating formulation of rizatriptan, a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist. This study was conducted to determine patient preference between rizatriptan ODT 10-mg and sumatriptan 50-mg tablet for the acute treatment of migraine. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study conducted in the United States with 524 enrolled patients. Patients treated a single moderate or severe headache in each treatment period. Patients treated one migraine with either rizatriptan ODT 10-mg or sumatriptan 50-mg tablet, then treated a second migraine with the alternate therapy. Patients completed diary assessments at baseline, and 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes postdose and rated headache severity on a 4-point scale (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe). At the final study visit following treatment of their second migraine, patients expressed preference for one of the two study medications by completing an interviewer-administered Global Preference Question and then responded to a self-administered series of questions to capture their most important reason for preferring one study medication over the other. Safety measurements were recorded through standard adverse experience reporting. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-six patients treated two migraine attacks. For those patients who expressed a preference for either rizatriptan ODT or sumatriptan (n = 374), the percentage of patients who preferred rizatriptan ODT 10-mg (57%, n = 213) was significantly greater than those who preferred sumatriptan 50-mg tablet (43%, n = 161) (P<.01). For those patients who treated two migraine attacks and had drug severity measures for both attacks (n = 384), a significantly greater percentage of patients reported pain relief after taking rizatriptan ODT than sumatriptan at the 45- and 60-minute time points (38% versus 29% and 58% versus 49%, respectively) (P<.01). In addition, a significantly greater percentage of patients taking rizatriptan ODT reported a pain-free status at the 60- and 120-minute time points (23% versus 17% [P<.05] and 60% versus 52% [P<.01], respectively). Both rizatriptan ODT and sumatriptan were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly greater proportion of patients preferred rizatriptan ODT 10-mg to sumatriptan 50-mg tablet for the acute treatment of migraine. Efficacy and safety data are consistent with the preference findings.

Adult↗

Comparative efficacy of eletriptan 40 mg versus sumatriptan 100 mg.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the efficacy advantage of eletriptan 40 mg over sumatriptan 100 mg. Background.-Eletriptan 80 mg has demonstrated significantly greater efficacy when compared to both sumatriptan 50 mg and 100 mg in two studies. Eletriptan 40 mg demonstrated significantly greater efficacy than sumatriptan 100 mg in one previous trial. METHODS: Two thousand one hundred thirteen patients with a diagnosis of migraine according to International Headache Society criteria were randomized using a double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group design, and treated for a single migraine attack with either eletriptan 40 mg, sumatriptan 100 mg, or placebo. The primary endpoint was 2-hour headache response. Secondary endpoints included headache response rates at 1 hour, pain-free rates, absence of associated symptoms, functional response at 1 and 2 hours, and sustained headache response. RESULTS: Headache response rates at 2 hours postdose were significantly higher for eletriptan 40 mg (67%) than for sumatriptan 100 mg (59%; P <.001) and placebo (26%; P <.0001). Eletriptan 40 mg consistently showed significant (P <.01) efficacy over sumatriptan 100 mg across secondary clinical outcomes, including 1-hour headache response; 2-hour pain-free response; absence of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia; functional improvement; use of rescue medication; treatment acceptability; and sustained headache response (P <.05). Overall, treatment-related adverse events were low, nausea being the only adverse event with an incidence of 2% or higher (4.9% with eletriptan, 4.2% sumatriptan, 2.8% placebo). CONCLUSION: This trial confirmed that eletriptan 40 mg offers superior efficacy in treating migraine pain and associated symptoms and in restoring patient functioning when compared with sumatriptan 100 mg.

Acute Disease↗

Effect of sumatriptan on external pancreatic secretion and its interaction with endogenous norepinephrine in the rat.

We reported previously that blocking norepinephrine reuptake by nisoxetine could modulate external pancreatic secretion in the rat. We report in this study the interaction of serotonin (5-HT) with endogenous catecholamines by using sumatriptan, an agonist of 5-HT1 receptors, in combination with nisoxetine. Urethane-anesthetized male Wistar rats were fitted with an acute pancreatic fistula. Nisoxetine (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) and sumatriptan (0.1-1 mg/kg, s.c.) were administered alone or in combination. Pancreatic secretion was measured under stimulation by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG; 75 mg/kg, i.v.), by vagal electrical stimulation (4 V, 2 ms, 10 Hz), or by acetylcholine (60-1,800 microg/kg.h). (i) 2DG: Nisoxetine alone inhibited 2DG-induced pancreatic secretion (p < 0.01). Sumatriptan alone also produced a dose-related inhibition of 2DG-induced pancreatic secretion (p < 0.01). When sumatriptan and nisoxetine were combined, protein response to 2DG remained inhibited, whereas water and electrolyte secretion was restored. (ii) Vagal stimulation: Nisoxetine did not modify water and electrolyte output in response to vagal electrical stimulation (VES), whereas it inhibited protein response by 75%. Sumatriptan alone strongly inhibited pancreatic response to VES (p < 0.01). When nisoxetine and sumatriptan were combined, the protein response to VES remained inhibited, whereas water and electrolyte response to VES was restored. (iii) Acetylcholine: Nisoxetine and sumatriptan alone or combined did not modify pancreatic response to acetylcholine. These results indicate that noradrenergic and serotonergic agents can indirectly affect pancreatic secretion through a modulation of the vagal cholinergic pathway. Nisoxetine and sumatriptan interact negatively on hydroelectrolytic pancreatic secretion, whereas they inhibit the secretion of enzymes both alone and in combination.

Acetylcholine↗

Sumatriptan alleviates pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial compression of the trigeminal root may lead to trigeminal neuralgia. 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists may inhibit vasodilation and inflammation near the irritated trigeminal root. A recent study showed attenuation of mechanical allodynia by a 5-HT1A receptor agonist in a rat model of trigeminal neuralgia. The present study examined the effectiveness of a 5-HT1A/1B/1D receptor agonist, sumatriptan, on pain relief in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: The study was conducted in 15 patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. The patients had been suffering from painful paroxysms for at least 1 month. Each patient was injected with 1 mL of saline subcutaneously (placebo), followed 15 minutes later with subcutaneous sumatriptan (3 mg in 1 mL saline). This was followed the next day by oral sumatriptan (50 mg twice daily) for 1 week. RESULTS: The visual analog scale did not change after saline, but significantly decreased after subcutaneous sumatriptan. Both 1 week after oral sumatriptan and 1 week after discontinuation of the drug, visual analog scale scores resulted in a significant decrease from the baseline. Adverse events after subcutaneous sumatriptan occurred in 4 patients: fatigue in 4 and nausea in 2. Side effects from the oral medication appeared in 4 patients: fatigue in 2, nausea in 1 and chest discomfort in 1. These side effects subsided soon after discontinuation of sumatriptan. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that subcutaneous injection followed by oral administration of sumatriptan produces prompt and continuous analgesia in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

Adult↗

Effects of dihydroergotamine and sumatriptan on isolated human cerebral and peripheral arteries and veins.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological cerebral vasoconstriction has recently been suggested as treatment for patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) after severe traumatic brain lesions. Hypothetically, a moderate constriction of precapillary resistance vessels might be advantageous since it decreases intracapillary blood pressure, and a contraction of cerebral veins might effectively reduce intracranial blood volume and ICP. This report examines the in vitro effects of two vasoconstrictors, dihydroergotamine (DHE) and sumatriptan, which may be considered for treatment of increased ICP. METHODS: The reactivity of isolated small human cerebral subcutaneous and omental arteries and veins were studied during exposure to different concentrations of DHE and sumatriptan. RESULTS: Both sumatriptan and DHE induced concentration-dependent contractions in human cerebral arteries and veins and 50% of maximum contractions were obtained at significantly lower concentrations of DHE than of sumatriptan. The maximum contraction of cerebral arteries was significantly higher with sumatriptan than with DHE. Both drugs caused contractions of subcutaneous arteries at concentrations of 10(-7)-10(-6)M, which is within the therapeutic concentration range of sumatriptan, while no effect was obtained in omental vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Both DHE and sumatriptan cause contraction of isolated human cortical arteries and veins at very low concentrations. The differences observed between the two drugs may be explained by the fact that DHE is an alpha-adrenergic as well as a 5-HT agonist while sumatriptan acts specifically on 5-HT receptors. The study supports the hypothesis underlying the use of DHE for the treatment of increased ICP in patients with severe traumatic brain lesions.

Cerebral Arteries↗

Placebo-controlled comparison of effervescent acetylsalicylic acid, sumatriptan and ibuprofen in the treatment of migraine attacks.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in combination with metoclopramide has been frequently used in clinical trials in the acute treatment of migraine attacks. Recently the efficacy of a new high buffered formulation of 1000 mg effervescent ASA without metoclopramide compared to placebo has been shown. To further confirm the efficacy of this new formulation in comparison with a triptan and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) a three-fold crossover, double-blind, randomized trial with 312 patients was conducted in Germany, Italy and Spain. Effervescent ASA (1000 mg) was compared to encapsulated sumatriptan (50 mg), ibuprofen (400 mg) and placebo. The percentage of patients with reduction in headache severity from moderate or severe to mild or no pain (primary endpoint) was 52.5% for ASA, 60.2% for ibuprofen, 55.8% for sumatriptan and 30.6% for placebo. All active treatments were superior to placebo (P < 0.0001), whereas active treatments were not statistically different. The number of patients who were pain-free at 2 h was 27.1%, 33.2%, 37.1% and 12.6% for those treated with ASA, ibuprofen, sumatriptan or placebo, respectively. The difference between ASA and sumatriptan was statistically significant (P = 0.025). With respect to other secondary efficacy criteria and accompanying symptoms no statistically significant differences between ASA and ibuprofen or sumatriptan were found. Drug-related adverse events were reported in 4.1%, 5.7%, 6.6% and 4.5% of patients treated with ASA, ibuprofen sumatriptan or placebo. This study showed that 1000 mg effervescent ASA is as effective as 50 mg sumatriptan and 400 mg ibuprofen in the treatment of migraine attacks regarding headache relief from moderate/severe to mild/no pain at 2 h. Regarding pain-free at 2 h sumatriptan was most effective.

Adult↗

Comparison of contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine and sumatriptan in human isolated coronary artery: synergy with the thromboxane A2-receptor agonist, U46619.

1. The interaction between the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist, U46619 and two 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists, the non-selective, naturally occurring agonist, 5-HT and the selective 5-HT1-like agonist, sumatriptan were studied in human epicardial coronary arteries in vitro. 2. Coronary artery rings (2-4 mm in diameter) were prepared from epicardial arteries from explant hearts of patients undergoing heart transplant (cardiomyopathy, n = 13; ischaemic heart disease, n = 10) and unused donor hearts (n = 5). Each ring of artery was set at optimal resting conditions to record changes in isometric force. 3. The majority of artery rings developed phasic, rhythmic contractions either spontaneously or in response to all vasoconstrictor agonists tested. Both the spontaneous and agonist-induced phasic contractions were abolished by nifedipine (0.1 microM). 4. Concentration-contraction curves to 5-HT-receptor agonists and noradrenaline (NA), were first constructed in artery rings that did not develop phasic activity. 5-HT and ergometrine were the most potent agonists with EC50 values of 6.8 +/- 0.2 and 7.7 +/- 0.2 (-log M) respectively. Potencies (EC50's) to sumatriptan, methysergide and noradrenaline could not be determined due to their poor ability to contract the coronary artery. Maximum contractions (Emax; normalized as a percentage of the contraction to a maximum-depolarizing concentration of K+ in physiological salt solution (KPSS)) for 5-HT, ergometrine, sumatriptan, methysergide and noradrenaline were 40 +/- 10, 9 +/- 3, < 5, < 5 and < 5% respectively. 5. In arteries without phasic activity, U46619 (1 nM) caused an increase in force of 3.8 +/- 1% KPSS. With U46619 present, the Emax values for 5-HT, ergometrine, sumatriptan and methysergide were all markedly increased. For 5-HT and sumatriptan, E., values were 92+/- 4% and 49 +/- 14% KPSSrespectively. The presence of U46619 did not significantly change the sensitivity (EC50) to 5-HT.6. In a separate series of arteries, nifedipine (0.1 microM) was used to block phasic, contractile activity. The synergy observed between U46619 and 5-HT or sumatriptan still occurred although the Emax values for each agonist were depressed but the EC50 values were again unaffected.7. In conclusion, these in vitro studies indicate that the normally poor contractions to sumatriptan, inhuman coronary arteries are significantly enhanced when active force is induced with a thromboxane A2-receptor agonist, U46619. The enhanced response is not specific for either sumatriptan or 5-HT,-like receptors since contractions to 5-HT, ergometrine and methysergide were also potentiated by U46619.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Effects of sumatriptan on the cerebral intraparenchymal microcirculation in the cat.

1. Sumatriptan, a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1-like receptor agonist, is effective against the headache of migraine. The effects of sumatriptan injected via the carotid artery on the cerebral microcirculation were studied in 10 anaesthetized cats. 2. The local cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time of blood (MTT) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the parieto-temporal cortex were measured by a photoelectric method. CBV represents the cumulative dimensions of the cerebral microvessels. 3. Sumatriptan at 5 and 50 micrograms kg-1 had no significant effects on the CBV, MTT, CBF, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP); 500 micrograms kg-1 of sumatriptan reduced the CBV, prolonged the MTT, and decreased the CBF (approximately -20%) without affecting the MABP. Sumatriptan, 5 mg kg-1, elicited transient reductions in CBV and CBF, which were attributable to the rapid and marked falls of MABP seen with this dose. 4. Thus, while a high dose of sumatriptan (500 micrograms kg-1) exhibits direct vasoconstrictor actions on the cerebral vessels, low doses of sumatriptan, within the therapeutic range, elicit no vasoconstriction. The data do not support a vasoconstrictor action of sumatriptan playing a primary role in reversing the headache of migraine.

Animals↗

Blockade of porcine carotid vascular response to sumatriptan by GR 127935, a selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist.

1. It has previously been shown that the antimigraine drug, sumatriptan, a putative 5-HT1D receptor agonist, decreases porcine common carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flows, but slightly increases the arteriolar (capillary) blood flow to the skin and ears. Interestingly, such responses, being mediated by 5-HT1-like receptors, are resistant to blockade by metergoline, which, in addition to displaying a very high affinity for (and occasionally intrinsic efficacy at) the 5-HT1D receptor subtypes, blocks (with lower potency than methiothepin) some 5-HT1D receptor-mediated vascular responses. These findings raise doubts whether sumatriptan-sensitive 5-HT1-like receptors mediating changes in the distribution of porcine carotid blood flow are identical to cloned 5-HT1D receptors. With the recent advent of the potent and selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, GR127935, we have examined in the present study whether the carotid vascular effects of sumatriptan in the pig are amenable to blockade by GR127935. 2. In animals pretreated with saline, sumatriptan (30, 100 and 300 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) reduced the total carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flows in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, sumatriptan increased blood flow to the skin, ears and fat, although the total capillary fraction was not significantly affected. 3. While GR127935 pretreatment (0.25 and 0.5 mg kg-1) itself slightly reduced the total carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flows, carotid vasoconstrictor responses to sumatriptan were either partly (0.25 mg kg-1) or completely (0.5 mg kg-1) blocked by the compound. In GR127935 pretreated animals, the sumatriptan-induced increases in blood flow to the skin, ears and fat were also attenuated. 4. Taken together, the results suggest that arteriovenous anastomotic constriction and, possibly, arteriolar dilatation in the skin, ears and fat by sumatriptan are mediated by 5-HT1D receptors. Therefore, vascular 5-HT1-like receptors in the porcine carotid bed appear to be identical to 5-HT1D receptors.

Animals↗

Long-term tolerability of sumatriptan nasal spray in adolescent patients with migraine.

OBJECTIVE: This 1-year, open-label, multicenter study was designed to assess the long-term tolerability and efficacy of sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg in adolescent patients with migraine. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, open-label study was conducted in patients aged 12 to 17 years who were allowed to treat an unlimited number of migraines at severe, moderate, or mild pain intensity with sumatriptan nasal spray for up to 1 year. All patients started the study at the 20-mg dose of sumatriptan nasal spray. Dose could be adjusted downward to 5 mg at the discretion of the investigator to optimize therapy. RESULTS: A total of 484 adolescent migraineurs treated 4676 migraines with sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg (3593 during the first 6 months and 1083 during the second 6 months). A total of 3940 migraines and 699 migraines were treated with one and two 20-mg doses of sumatriptan nasal spray, respectively. Only 10 patients (treating 42 migraines) took the 5-mg dose of sumatriptan nasal spray. The overall percentage of migraines treated with either one 20-mg dose or one, two, or three 20-mg doses with at least 1 drug-related adverse event was 19%. The most common specific drug-related adverse event was unpleasant taste, reported in 17% of migraines. No other single drug-related adverse event was reported in more than 1% of migraines over the 1-year treatment period. When unpleasant taste was excluded from the adverse-event tabulations, the percentages of migraines with at least 1 drug-related adverse event after one or one, two, or three 20-mg doses declined to 4% and 3%, respectively. No patient experienced any drug-related changes in 12-lead ECGs, vital signs, or nasal assessments; and no clinically meaningful changes in clinical laboratory values were observed. Across all migraines with evaluable efficacy data (n=4334), headache relief was reported in 43% of migraines at 1 hour and in 59% at 2 hours after dosing with sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg. Of the 2561 migraines with headache relief 2 hours postdose, headache recurrence was reported within 24 hours of initial dosing in 7% of migraines. None of the efficacy or tolerability results varied as a function of time in the study (ie, first 6 months vs. second 6 months). CONCLUSION: Sumatriptan nasal spray 20 mg is generally well tolerated and may be beneficial during long-term use by adolescent migraineurs ages 12 to 17 years.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Pilot study evaluating preference for 3-mg versus 6-mg subcutaneous sumatriptan.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous sumatriptan (6 mg) is undeniably an excellent treatment of migraine. However, some patients have avoided using 6 mg sumatriptan because of unpleasant or unwanted side effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous sumatriptan (3 mg) during a moderate or severe migraine attack. METHODS: Thirty subcutaneous sumatriptan-naive patients with a history of migraine with and without aura treated their next two moderate or severe migraines with either 3-mg or 6-mg sumatriptan injection. The primary endpoint was whether patients preferred the low-dose (3 mg) or the high-dose (6 mg) subcutaneous sumatriptan. Other objectives included percentage of patients pain free at 15 and 30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours; a pain-free response lasting between 2 and 24 hours, patient satisfaction, and acceptability of formulation. A new combination endpoint (efficacy and lack of significant side effects) was also evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty percent of patients preferred 3-mg over 6-mg subcutaneous sumatriptan. At 1 hour postdose 57% of patients were pain free with 3 mg and 53% with 6 mg. At 2 hours postdose 87% were pain free with 3 mg and 80% with 6 mg. A sustained pain-free response was obtained by 70 to 80% of patients. When combining a pain-free response at 2 hours and a sustained pain-free response at 24 hours with no significant side effects, more patients met the endpoint with 3 mg (63 to 67%) than with 6 mg (33 to 50%). CONCLUSIONS: Combining efficacy and tolerability endpoints may be clinically meaningful and reflective of real-world expectations. In some patients, a lower dose of sumatriptan injection may be beneficial.

Adult↗