Migraine and Headache Treatments
MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE TREATMENTS | |||||
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Generic | Strength | Brand | Form | Dose | |
TREATMENT | |||||
Analgesic + Barbiturate | |||||
acetamin– ophen |
325mg | — | Rx | caps, tabs | ≥12yrs: 1–2 tabs or caps every 4hrs as needed; max 6/day. Not recommended for extended or repeated use. <12yrs: Not established. |
butalbital | 50mg | ||||
caffeine | 40mg | ||||
acetamin– ophen |
300mg | — | Rx | caps | Adults: 1–2 caps every 4hrs as needed; max 6 caps/day. Children: Not established. |
butalbital | 50mg | ||||
caffeine | 40mg | ||||
acetamin– ophen |
325mg | — | Rx | tabs | Adults: 1–2 tabs every 4hrs; max 6 tabs/day. Children: Not recommended. |
butalbital | 50mg | ||||
Analgesic + Barbiturate + Opioid | |||||
acetamin– ophen |
325mg | Fioricet w. Codeine |
CIII | caps | Adults: 1–2 caps every 4hrs as needed; max 6 caps/day. Children: Not established. |
butalbital | 50mg | ||||
caffeine | 40mg | ||||
codeine phosphate |
30mg | ||||
Analgesic + Salicylate | |||||
aspirin | 500mg | Bayer Headache | OTC | caplets | ≥12yrs: 2 caplets with a glass of water every 6hrs; max 8 caplets/24hrs. <12yrs: consult physician. |
caffeine | 32.5mg | ||||
acetamin– ophen |
250mg | Excedrin Migraine | OTC | caplets | ≥18yrs: 2 caplets with a glass of water; max 2 caplets/24hrs. <18yrs: Consult physician. |
aspirin | 250mg | ||||
caffeine | 65mg | ||||
Barbiturate + Salicylate | |||||
aspirin | 325mg | — | CIII | caps | Adults: 1–2 caps every 4hrs as needed; max 6 caps/day. Not recommended for extended or repeated use. Children: Not established. |
butalbital | 50mg | ||||
caffeine | 40mg | ||||
Barbiturate + Salicylate + Opioid | |||||
aspirin | 325mg | — | CIII | caps | Adults: 1–2 caps every 4hrs as needed; max 6 caps/day. Children: Not established. |
butalbital | 50mg | ||||
caffeine | 40mg | ||||
codeine phosphate |
30mg | ||||
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Receptor Antagonist | |||||
galcanezumab-gnlm | 100mg/mL, 120mg/mL | Emgality | Rx | soln for SC inj | Adults: Cluster headache: 300mg (three 100mg inj) at the onset of the cluster period, then monthly until the end of the cluster period. Children: Not established. |
rimegepant | 75mg | Nurtec ODT |
Rx | ODT | Adults: 75mg once as needed (max daily dose). The safety of using more than 18 doses in a 30-day period has not been established. Children: Not established. |
ubrogepant | 50mg, 100mg | Ubrelvy | Rx | tabs | Adults: Initially 50mg or 100mg; may give a second dose ≥2hrs after initial dose (max 200mg/day). The safety of treating more than 8 migraines in a 30-day period has not been established. Children: Not established. |
Ergot Alkaloid | |||||
dihydro– ergotamine mesylate |
1mg/mL | — | Rx | IM, IV, or SC inj | Adults: 1mL IV at 1hr intervals; max 2 doses/day. Or, 1mL IM or SC at 1hr intervals; max 3 doses/day. For all: max 6 doses/wk. Not for chronic use. Children: Not established. |
4mg/mL | Migranal | Rx | nasal spray† | Adults: 1 spray in each nostril, repeat 15mins later; max 6 sprays/24hrs and 8 sprays/wk. Children: Not established. |
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4mg/mL | Trudhesa | Rx | nasal spray† | Adults: 1 spray in each nostril, may repeat at least 1hr later if needed; max 2 doses (4 sprays) within 24hrs or 3 doses (6 sprays) within 7 days. Children: Not established. |
|
ergotamine tartrate |
1mg | — | Rx | tabs | Adults: 2 tabs at onset of attack, then 1 tab every ½hr if needed; max 6 tabs/attack, 10 tabs/wk. Children: Not recommended. |
caffeine | 100mg | ||||
ergotamine tartrate |
2mg | — | Rx | rectal supp | Adults: 1 supp rectally at onset of attack, then 1 supp after 1hr if needed; max 2 supps/attack, 5 supps/wk. Children: Not recommended. |
caffeine | 100mg | ||||
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) | |||||
celecoxib | 25mg/mL | Elyxyb | Rx | oral soln | Adults: 120mg (4.8mL) once. Max: 120mg/day. Use for the fewest number of days per month, as needed. Moderate hepatic impairment, CYP2C9 poor metabolizers: max 60mg (2.4mL). Children: Not established. |
diclofenac potassium |
50mg | Cambia | Rx | buffered pwd for oral soln* | ≥18yrs: Mix 1 packet (50mg) with 30–60mL of water only and drink immediately. Not interchangeable with other forms of diclofenac. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
ibuprofen | 200mg | Advil Migraine | OTC | liq-filled caps | ≥18yrs: Usually 400mg once daily. Max 2 caps/24hrs. <18yrs: consult physician. |
Selective 5-HT1B/1D Receptor Agonist | |||||
almotriptan (as malate) |
6.25mg, 12.5mg | — | Rx | tabs | ≥12yrs: 6.25–12.5mg single dose; may repeat once after 2hrs; max 25mg/24hrs. Hepatic impairment, CrCl 10–30mL/min, or concomitant potent CYP3A4 inhibitors: initially 6.25mg once; max 12.5mg/24hrs. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 migraines over 30 days is not established. <12yrs: Not established. |
eletriptan HBr | 20mg, 40mg | Relpax | Rx | tabs | ≥18yrs: 20mg or 40mg once; max single dose: 40mg. May repeat once after 2hrs; max 80mg/day. The safety of treating an average of more than 3 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. <18yrs: Not established. |
frovatriptan (as succinate) |
2.5mg | Frova | Rx | tabs | ≥18yrs: 2.5mg with fluids; may repeat once after 2hrs; max 7.5mg/24hrs. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
naratriptan HCl | 1mg, 2.5mg | Amerge | Rx | tabs | ≥18yrs: 1mg or 2.5mg with fluids; may repeat once after 4hrs; max 5mg/24hrs. The safety of treating, on average, more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. Mild-to-moderate renal/hepatic impairment: initially 1mg; max 2.5mg/24hrs. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
rizatriptan (as benzoate) |
10mg | Maxalt | Rx | tabs | ≥18yrs: Initially 5 or 10mg; may repeat after 2hrs; max 30mg/24hrs. Concomitant propranolol: 5mg; max 15mg/24hrs. The safety of treating, on average, more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. <6yrs: Not established. 6–17yrs (<40kg): 5mg; (≥40kg): 10mg. Concomitant propranolol (≥40kg only): max 5mg/24hrs. The efficacy and safety of treating with ≥1 dose/24hrs have not been established. |
10mg | Maxalt-MLT | Rx | ODT* | ||
sumatriptan | 4mg/ 0.5mL, 6mg/ 0.5mL |
Imitrex Injection | Rx | SC inj | ≥18yrs: 6mg SC (may start at lower dose if 6mg not tolerated). May repeat after 1hr; max two 6mg doses in 24hrs. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
5mg/ spray, 20mg/ spray |
Imitrex Nasal Spray | Rx | nasal spray | ≥18yrs: 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg once. May repeat once after 2hrs; max 40mg/day. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
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25mg, 50mg, 100mg | Imitrex Tablets | Rx | tabs | ≥18yrs: 25–100mg once, swallow whole with fluids as soon as possible after migraine onset; may repeat dose at intervals of at least 2hrs, max 200mg/day; or single-dose tablets up to 100mg/day if injection has been used. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
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11mg | Onzetra Xsail | Rx | caps for nasal inh | ≥18yrs: 1 nosepiece (11mg) in each nostril (22mg total), using Xsail delivery device. May repeat once after ≥2hrs; max 44mg (4 nosepieces)/day or one dose of Onzetra Xsail and one dose of another sumatriptan product separated by ≥2hrs. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. <18yrs: Not established. |
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10mg | Tosymra | Rx | nasal spray | ≥18yrs: 10mg as single spray in one nostril. Reevaluate if no response. Max cumulative dose: 30mg in 24hrs with each dose separated by ≥1hr. May also be given ≥1hr after another sumatriptan product. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
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3mg/0.5mL | Zembrace Symtouch | Rx | soln for SC inj | ≥18yrs: 3mg SC. May repeat after ≥1hr; max 12mg in 24hrs. May also be given ≥1hr after another sumatriptan product. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
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zolmitriptan | 2.5mg+, 5mg | Zomig | Rx | tabs | ≥18yrs: Initially 1.25–2.5mg; max recommended single dose: 5mg. If headache returns, may repeat after 2hrs; max 10mg/day. The safety of treating an average of more than 3 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. Hepatic impairment (moderate to severe): 1.25mg; (severe): max 5mg/day. Concomitant cimetidine: max single dose: 2.5mg, not to exceed 5mg in 24hrs. <18yrs: Not recommended. |
2.5mg, 5mg | Zomig-ZMT | Rx | ODT* | ||
2.5mg/ spray, 5mg/ spray |
Zomig Nasal Spray | Rx | nasal spray | ≥12yrs: Initially 2.5mg once; max single dose: 5mg. If headache returns, may repeat once after 2hrs; max 10mg/day. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: not recommended; use other forms. Concomitant cimetidine: max single dose: 2.5mg, not to exceed 5mg in 24hrs. <12yrs: Not established. |
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Selective 5-HT1B/1D Receptor Agonist + Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) | |||||
sumatriptan succinate/ naproxen sodium |
85/ 500mg |
Treximet | Rx | tabs | ≥12yrs: 1 tab (85/500mg) once; may repeat once after 2hrs; max 2 tabs/day. Mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment: 1 tab (10/60mg)/day. The safety of treating an average of more than 5 migraines in a 30-day period has not been established. <12yrs: Not established. 12–17yrs: 1 tab (10/60mg) once; max 1 tab (85/500mg)/day. The safety of treating an average of more than 2 migraines in a 30-day period has not been established. |
Selective 5-HT1F Receptor Agonist | |||||
lasmiditan | 50mg, 100mg | Reyvow | CV | tabs | Adults: 50–200mg once as needed; max 1 dose/24hrs. The safety of treating an average of >4 migraines in a 30-day period has not been established. Children: Not established. |
PROPHYLAXIS | |||||
Antiepileptic Drugs | |||||
divalproex sodium | 125mg, 250mg, 500mg | Depakote | Rx | del-rel tabs | Adults: Initially 250mg twice daily; usual max 1g/day. Elderly: reduce initial dose and titrate slowly; monitor. Concomitant rufinamide: initiate at a low dose and titrate. Children: Not recommended. |
250mg, 500mg | Depakote ER | Rx | ext-rel tabs | Adults: 500mg once daily for 1 week, then 1g once daily. Elderly: reduce initial dose and titrate slowly; monitor. Concomitant rufinamide: initiate at a low dose and titrate. Children: Use other forms. |
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topiramate | 15mg, 25mg | Topamax Capsules | Rx | coated beads in caps | ≥12yrs: Titrate at 1-wk intervals to target dose of 100mg/day. Initially 25mg once daily in the PM, then 25mg twice daily, then 25mg in the AM and 50mg in the PM, then 50mg twice daily. <12yrs: Not established. |
25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | Topamax | Rx | tabs | ||
25mg/mL | Eprontia | Rx | oral soln | Adults: Initially 25mg once daily in the PM, then 25mg twice daily, then 25mg in the AM and 50mg in the PM, then to target dose 50mg twice daily. Titrate at 1wk intervals. Children: Not established. |
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25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | Trokendi XR | Rx | ext-rel caps | ≥12yrs: Initially 25mg once daily, increase at 1-wk intervals by increments of 25mg/week to target dose of 100mg once daily. Renal impairment (CrCl <70mL/min): reduce dose by ½. <12yrs: Not established. |
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Beta-Blockers | |||||
propranolol | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg | — | Rx | scored tabs | Adults: Initially 80mg daily in divided doses. Usual range: 160–240mg/day. Discontinue if poor result after 4–6wks. Children: Not recommended. |
60mg, 80mg, 120mg, 160mg | Inderal LA | Rx | sust-rel caps | ||
timolol | 5mg, 10mg+, 20mg+ | — | Rx | tabs | Adults: Initially 10mg twice daily. Increase weekly if needed; max 30mg daily in 2 divided doses. Evaluate at 6–8 wks. Children: Not recommended. |
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Receptor Antagonist | |||||
atogepant | 10mg, 30mg, 60mg | Qulipta | Rx | tabs | Adults: Episodic migraine: 10mg, 30mg, or 60mg once daily. Chronic migraine: 60mg once daily. Concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (episodic): 10mg once daily; (chronic): avoid use. Concomitant strong, moderate, or weak CYP3A4 inducers (episodic): 30mg or 60mg once daily; (chronic): avoid use. Concomitant OATP inhibitors (episodic): 10mg or 30mg once daily; (chronic): 30mg once daily. Severe renal impairment, ESRD (episodic): 10mg once daily; (chronic): avoid use. Children: Not established. |
eptinezumab-jjmr | 100mg/mL | Vyepti | Rx | soln for IV infusion after dilution | Adults: Infuse over 30mins. 100mg every 3mos; some patients may benefit from 300mg every 3mos. Children: Not established. |
erenumab-aooe | 70mg/mL, 140mg/mL | Aimovig | Rx | soln for SC inj | Adults: 70mg SC once monthly; some patients may benefit from 140mg monthly. Children: Not established. |
fremanezumab-vfrm | 225mg/1.5mL | Ajovy | Rx | soln for SC inj | Adults: 225mg SC once monthly or 675mg (three 225mg inj) every 3mos. Children: Not established. |
galcanezumab-gnlm | 100mg/mL, 120mg/mL | Emgality | Rx | soln for SC inj | Adults: Initially 240mg SC loading dose (two 120mg inj), followed by 120mg monthly. Children: Not established. |
rimegepant | 75mg | Nurtec ODT | Rx | ODT | Adults: Episodic migraine: 75mg every other day. The safety of using more than 18 doses in a 30-day period has not been established. Children: Not established. |
NOTES | |||||
Key: ODT = orally disintegrating tablets; soln = solution; supp = suppositories; + = scored tablets *contains phenylalanine; †contains caffeine Not an inclusive list of medications, official indications and/or dosages. Please see drug monograph at www.eMPR.com, contact company for full drug labeling and/or consult your healthcare provider. (Rev. 6/2023) |