title: Pharmacokinetic evaluation of  zolmitriptan  for the treatment of migraines.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Migraine is a multifactorial neurovascular disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of disabling pain attacks, accompanied with gastrointestinal, neurological systems dysfunction. The pharmacologic treatment of migraine is classically divided in the management of the acute attack and preventive strategies. Acute treatments consist of triptan, ergot, opioid, antiemetic and NSAIDs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article discusses pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of zolmitriptan . The data were obtained by searching the following keywords in MEDLINE: zolmitriptan, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, triptans, migraine, menstrual-related migraine, cluster headache, relatively to the period 1989 - 2012.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Zolmitriptan has been considered effective treatment in the acute phase of migraine, menstrual-related migraine and cluster headache attacks. Pharmacokinetic parameters may vary as a consequence of gender differences, inter- and intra-subjects variability and delivery system. Zolmitriptan was developed with the aim of obtaining a lipophilic compound in order to be more rapidly absorbed and centrally active. Pharmacologically, pharmacokinetic parameters are responsible for its wide efficacy and the limited adverse effect profile.
authors: Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, NESMOS Department, Rome, Italy.
authors: Luana
authors: L
authors: Lionetto
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Casolla
authors: Fabiola
authors: F
authors: Mastropietri
authors: Lidia
authors: L
authors: D'Alonzo
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Negro
authors: Maurizio
authors: M
authors: Simmaco
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Martelletti
mesh_terms: D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000188:drug therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014363:Tryptamines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D023303:Oxazolidinones; D014363:Tryptamines; C089750:zolmitriptan