Migraine
Primary headache disorder with recurrent unilateral throbbing pain of moderate to severe intensity, often accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia.
ICD-10 G432 drugs
Also known as: Migraine with aura, Migraine without aura
Drugs used for this condition
- AIbuprofenFirst line · Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)First-line for mild to moderate migraine attacks: ibuprofen 400 mg, take it as early as possible after headache onset. It is less effective than triptans for severe attacks, but guidelines still recommend it for mild to moderate ones
- AParacetamolFirst line · Anilides. Analgesics and antipyreticsIn mild to moderate migraine attacks, paracetamol 1000 mg is an acceptable first-line option in patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs or triptans. Efficacy in severe attacks is lower than triptans and NSAIDs. Taking it early in the attack (within 30 minutes of pain onset) improves efficacy.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit