A dose-defining study of sumatriptan suppositories in the acute treatment of migraine.
In this dose-ranging, randomised, multinational, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study, 431 patients treated a single migraine attack with study medication: sumatriptan suppository 6 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, or placebo. Patients were treated in the clinic with a single dose in suppository form. All doses of sumatriptan, except 6 mg, were significantly better than placebo (p < 0.004) and achieved similar rates of headache relief within two hours of dosing. The highest response rate was in the 25 mg group (72%) compared with placebo (37%) (p < 0.001). Fewer patients required rescue medication in the active groups (1% 100 mg to 13% 6 mg) compared with placebo (17%), and more patients were able to work and function normally two hours after dosing (41%, 100 mg; 20%, placebo). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in the placebo, 6 mg and 12.5 mg groups (14-17%) but higher in the 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg groups (25%, 32% and 29% respectively). Analysis of plasma sumatriptan levels indicated rapid rectal absorption for all doses (median tmax = 1.0 hr). It is concluded that sumatriptan, in doses above 6 mg, is an effective and well tolerated treatment for acute migraine. From this study doses of 12.5 mg and 25 mg sumatriptan were identified as having the best efficacy/safety profile and were evaluated further.
Bertin
L
L
Glaxo-Wellcome, Greenford, Middlesex, France.
Brion
N
N
Färkkilä
M
M
Göbel
H
H
Wessely
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D018170:Sumatriptan / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D013488:Suppositories; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D013488:Suppositories; D018170:Sumatriptan