All triptans are not the same

Abstract

The current review provides a brief summary of the key pre-clinical and clinical characteristics of the triptans that might influence the choice of drug. Data from extensive clinical trials tentatively suggest that eletriptan and rizatriptan may offer an advantage over other triptans on the basis of two clinically important efficacy parameters: eletriptan has the highest likelihood of sustained headache response, while rizatriptan has the highest likelihood of achieving and sustaining a pain-free response. In terms of tolerability, best-in-class goes to naratriptan, almotriptan, and frovatriptan, though the tolerability profile of triptans is very good overall, and patient preference appears to be more closely correlated with efficacy than tolerability. A need is noted for more double-blind studies that directly compare triptans.