Antanas Vaitkus, Valius Pauza

Clinic of Neurology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania

Key words: migraine, tolfenamic acid, pizotifen, prophylactic treatment.

Summary. The migraine prophylactic effect of tolfenamic acid 300 mg versus pizotifen 1.5 was evaluated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study. 192 patients were included with a frequency of 4–8 moderate to severe migraine attacks monthly, with or without aura, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for migraine as defined by the International Headache Society. A four-week baseline period without medication was followed by 12 weeks of treatment with tolfenamic acid 300 mg or pizotifen 1.5 mg. In both periods patients were allowed to take escape medication (paracetamol and codeine) if the treatment was inefficient. All the patients had a headache diary before and during treatment. The primary criterion of efficacy was reduction in attack frequency per 4 weeks. Also reduction in intensity or duration of migraine attacks in hours at the end of 12 weeks treatment compared to the baseline period was measured. Both groups exhibited significant reduction in attack frequency (p<0.001). Tolfenamic acid significantly reduced severity compared to the run-in period (p=0.009). Patients treated with pizotifen needed more escape medication when compared to the run-in period (p<0.01). Tolerance, especially weight gain, was a major drawback with pizotifen. Because of its high efficacy, excellent tolerability and low cost, tolfenamic acid is an interesting option for migraine prophylaxis.

Correspondence to A.Vaitkus, Clinic of Neurology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Eivenių 2, 3007 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: neurpain@kmu.lt

Received 29 August 2001, accepted 28 February 2002