Almotriptan malate

Almotriptan malate is a triptan drug used in the treatment of migraine headaches. It is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor agonist, which means it works by stimulating these receptors in the brain to narrow blood vessels, thereby relieving migraine headaches.

Pharmacology

Almotriptan malate is a potent, orally active agonist for a vascular 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor subtype (5-HT1B/1D) and causes vasoconstriction of the human basilar artery. It has a high affinity for 5-HT1B/1D and a low affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1E, 5-HT1F, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT7 receptors.

Clinical Use

Almotriptan malate is used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. It is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic migraine or basilar migraine.

Side Effects

Common side effects of almotriptan malate include nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness. Serious side effects may include serotonin syndrome, particularly when used with other medications that increase serotonin.

Contraindications

Almotriptan malate is contraindicated in patients with a history of coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease. It is also contraindicated in patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Interactions

Almotriptan malate may interact with other drugs that affect serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

See Also

• Triptan
• Migraine
• 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor
• Serotonin syndrome