Triptans

Triptans are a class of medications that are indicated for the treatment of migraine headaches.  Migraine attacks can be caused by dilation of intracranial arterioles. Triptans are serotonin agonists that work at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors to mediate the intracranial arteriolar constriction, which produces the migraine relief.  Caution should be used in patients with hypertension and in patients with coronary artery disease.  

Class Drugs

• Almotriptan

• Eletriptan

• Frovatriptan

• Naratriptan

• Rizatriptan

• Sumatriptan

• Zolmitriptan

Class Mechanism of Action

Serotonin agonists acting on peripheral nerves of the intracranial vasculature

Class Applications

Migraine headaches

Class Adverse Effects

Elevated blood pressure

Use caution in patients with risk of coronary artery disease

Chest pain/pressure

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Almotriptan			"Alamo" "Trip Tan"
Eletriptan			"Electric" "Trip Tan"
Frovatriptan			"Afro" "Trip Tan"
Naratriptan			"Narcotic" "Trip Tan"
Rizatriptan			"Riser" "Trip Tan"
Sumatriptan			"Sumo Wrestler" "Trip Tan"
Zolmitriptan			"Ohm" "Trip Tan"