title: The triptans.
abstract: The migraine-specific triptans have revolutionized the treatment of migraine and are currently the drugs of choice to treat a migraine attack in progress. Over the past 15 years, triptans were released in rapid succession, with each one demonstrating some specific pharmacokinetic properties that may be translated into clinical advantages. Triptans share many similarities, but also have important differences from one another. Accordingly, herein we discuss the class of the triptans. We first define the trigeminovascular system and its importance in migraine pain, then discuss the mechanism of action of the triptans and contrast the evidence supporting the use of different triptans. We close with our view of the future and hopes for the next generation of antimigraine therapies.
authors.affiliation: Merck Research Laboratories, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA. marcelo_bigal@merck.com
authors.forename: Marcelo E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bigal
authors.forename: Abouch V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Krymchantowski
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hargreaves
mesh_terms: D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D014363:Tryptamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014363:Tryptamines; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide