CNS drugs: antiparkinsonian drugs, antimigraine drugs
Pharmacology · MBBS
Study notes
A migraineur sees zigzag lights, then a pounding one-sided headache. This is migraine with aura — cortical spreading depression (the zigzag fortification spectra) followed by trigeminal vascular headache. Triptans (sumatriptan — 5-HT1B/1D agonists constricting cranial vessels, blocking pain pathways) work best taken early; NSAIDs help mild attacks. Frequent attacks need prophylaxis (propranolol, topiramate, or new CGRP antibodies). Avoid triptans in coronary disease — vasoconstriction is the mechanism and the risk.
Related topics
- General pharmacology: pharmacokinetics — absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
- General pharmacology: pharmacodynamics — receptors, dose-response, drug interactions
- General pharmacology: adverse drug reactions, pharmacovigilance
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- Autonomic drugs: adrenergic agonists and antagonists
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