Drug of choice for acute migraine is: March 2010, March 2013
## Core Concept
The treatment of acute migraine involves the use of medications that can effectively alleviate headache and associated symptoms. The primary goal is to abort the migraine attack. **Triptans** are a class of drugs specifically designed for this purpose.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, **Sumatriptan**, is a **5-HT1 receptor agonist**. It works by causing vasoconstriction of the intracranial blood vessels and inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. This mechanism effectively alleviates the headache and other symptoms associated with migraine. Sumatriptan is considered a first-line treatment for acute migraine attacks due to its efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** While **Ergotamines** (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine) can be used for migraine treatment, they are generally considered less effective and have more side effects compared to triptans. They are not the first choice for acute migraine.
- **Option B:** **Propranolol** is a beta-blocker used for migraine prophylaxis, not for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. It helps reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes but does not abort an ongoing attack.
- **Option D:** **Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)** can provide some relief for migraine headaches but is not as effective as triptans for acute migraine treatment. It is often used for tension-type headaches and as part of a combination therapy for migraine.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that **triptans** are the drug of choice for acute migraine treatment due to their efficacy in relieving headache and associated symptoms. However, they are contraindicated in patients with **ischemic heart disease**, **cerebrovascular disease**, or uncontrolled hypertension, due to their vasoconstrictive properties.
## Correct Answer: C. Sumatriptan