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Efficacy and tolerability of zolmitriptan oro-dispersible wafer in treatment of childhood migraine
  1. Caroline Kerrison1,
  2. Francesca Wright2,
  3. Joseph Piper3,
  4. Ram Kumar4,
  5. Daniel B Hawcutt5
  1. 1Department of Paediatrics, East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, Blackburn, UK
  2. 2Medical School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
  3. 3Department of Surgery, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
  4. 4Department of Neurology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
  5. 5Division of Developmental and Reproductive Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Daniel B Hawcutt, University of Liverpool, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK; D.Hawcutt{at}liv.ac.uk

Abstract

Introduction Migraine affects 8% of children, and may require pharmacological therapy to control symptoms. Current acute treatments include (5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 1 (5-HT1) receptor agonists, although the only licensed medication for paediatric patients in this class in the UK is intranasal sumatriptan. Oro-dispersible wafers of zolmitriptan are used in practice but have not been evaluated in the paediatric setting.

Methods A prospective case note audit of oro-dispersible zolmitriptan wafers use in the treatment of paediatric migraine by a consultant paediatric neurologist was carried out.

Results Symptomatic benefit was noted in 71.4% (n=10) of patients who have been prescribed the oro-dispersible wafer formulation. All subgroups of migraine included in the audit had some participants who benefitted from the medication. Five patients (35.7%) complained of mild adverse effects: nausea (n=2, 14.3%); Somnolence (n=2, 14.3%); Tingling sensation on the tongue (n=1, 7.1%). No patients had any severe adverse effects.

Conclusions In children with migraine treated in a tertiary paediatric neurology setting, the oro-dispersible wafer formulation of zolmitriptan is effective and well tolerated. Adequately powered prospective studies are required to determine the optimal place for this medication in paediatric migraine management.

  • Neurology
  • Paediatrics
  • Therapeutics
  • Audit

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