Zolmitriptan: differences from sumatriptan

Curr Med Res Opin. 2001:17 Suppl 1:s46-50. doi: 10.1185/0300799039117013.

Abstract

Zolmitriptan is a potent 5-HT(1B/1D) agonist whose targets include the peripheral and central components of the trigeminovascular system. It is generally well-tolerated and has dose-dependent efficacy in the treatment of migraine. The 2.5 mg dose is felt to provide the best balance between efficacy and adverse events. In a direct comparative study, the 2 h headache response rate for zolmitriptan 2.5 mg was statistically superior to sumatriptan 25 and 50 mg, although at 3.3% not clinically significant. Two comparative studies have found no difference in adverse event frequency between zolmitriptan and sumatriptan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Headache / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Oxazolidinones / therapeutic use*
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Sumatriptan / therapeutic use*
  • Tryptamines

Substances

  • Oxazolidinones
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Tryptamines
  • zolmitriptan
  • Sumatriptan