New Medications in the Treatment of Acute Migraine

Migraine is a common disorder affecting 12% of the US population. Use of triptans results in migraine pain relief within 2 hours in 16% to 51% of patients. However, due to their vasoconstrictive properties, triptans are contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and uncontrolled hypertension because of the potential for ischemia. This article will review 2 new classes of drugs being developed for the treatment of acute migraine without vasoconstrictive effects