PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE: THE ROLE OF RIZATRIPTAN IN THE RELIEF OF ATTACKS (LITERATURE REVIEW)

  2. 2026
  3. PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE: THE ROLE OF RIZATRIPTAN IN THE RELIEF OF ATTACKS (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Dunaieva I. P., Kravchun P. P., Kryvoshapka O. V., Pautina O. I., Doroshenko O. M., Shapoval O. M.

PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE: THE ROLE OF RIZATRIPTAN IN THE RELIEF OF ATTACKS (LITERATURE REVIEW)

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About the author:

Dunaieva I. P., Kravchun P. P., Kryvoshapka O. V., Pautina O. I., Doroshenko O. M., Shapoval O. M.

Heading:

LITERATURE REVIEWS

Type of article:

Scientific article

Annotation:

Migraine constitutes a relevant medical and social challenge in modern neurology because of its recurrent course, pronounced impact on patients’ functional status, and substantial disease burden. The high prevalence of migraine, the considerable level of disability associated with it, its tendency toward recurrence, as well as insufficiently timely diagnosis and incomplete access of patients to specific therapy, underscore the relevance of analysing current approaches to the treatment of this disorder. Of particular interest in contemporary migraine pharmacotherapy are agents capable of providing rapid and sufficiently sustained relief of an acute attack while maintaining an acceptable safety profile and good tolerability. The aim of this study was to summarise current data on the pharmacotherapy of acute migraine attacks, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and tolerability of triptans, and to determine the place of rizatriptan among drugs of this class. An additional objective was to analyse the significance of modern dosage forms of rizatriptan and their potential role in optimising the treatment of patients with migraine. The paper summarises current concepts of migraine pathophysiology, including the role of the trigeminovascular system, neurogenic inflammation, serotonergic mechanisms, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and central and peripheral sensitisation in the development of pain and associated symptoms. It is shown that triptans occupy an important place in the treatment of acute migraine attacks owing to their ability to influence key pathogenetic links of the disease through activation of 5-HT₁B/1D serotonin receptors. Their therapeutic effect is associated with constriction of dilated meningeal vessels, inhibition of the release of vasoactive neuropeptides, and reduction of nociceptive impulse transmission within the trigeminovascular system. Particular attention is paid to rizatriptan, a clinically significant representative of the triptan class. The summarised data indicate that this drug is characterised by a rapid onset of action, a high rate of reduction in headache intensity within the first two hours after administration, and good tolerability in most patients. In addition to its effect on pain, rizatriptan contributes to the alleviation of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia, which is important for restoring patients’ functional activity. The comparative characteristics of oral triptans are also considered, indicating that rizatriptan belongs to the most effective agents for the relief of acute migraine attacks when therapy is selected on an individualised basis. The significance of modern dosage forms of the drug, particularly orally disintegrating tablets, as well as promising alternative delivery systems, is analysed separately. These formulations may improve the convenience of use, treatment adherence, and clinical effectiveness, especially in patients with marked nausea, vomiting, or impaired gastrointestinal motility during an attack. Rizatriptan occupies an important place in the current pharmacotherapy of acute migraine attacks due to the combination of a pathogenetically substantiated mechanism of action, high clinical efficacy, and a favourable tolerability profile. Its use is appropriate for patients who require rapid relief of an acute attack and restoration of daily functioning. Further improvement of dosage forms and the development of personalised approaches to triptan selection may expand the possibilities for effective and safe migraine treatment.

Tags:

acute migraine attack, migraine, pathophysiology of migraine, pharmacotherapy, rizatriptan, triptans

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 2, 181, 48-55 pages, index UDC 616.857-092-07-085.225.1-035(048.8)

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-2-181-48-55

2026 Issue 2, 181
acute migraine attack migraine pathophysiology of migraine pharmacotherapy rizatriptan triptans
27.05.2026
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