Comparison of the effectiveness of eletriptan, sumatriptan and Cafergot® in reducing the time loss associated with migraine attacks

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of different treatments for migraine in reducing the time loss caused by attacks. Two dosage strengths of eletriptan (40 mg and 80 mg) were compared with Cafergot® (2 mg ergotamine tartrate plus 200 mg caffeine) and with sumatriptan (50 mg and 100 mg) and placebo. Total Time Loss and Work Time Loss (including reduced effectiveness whilst continuing to work during attacks as well as absenteeism) were determined from patient questionnaires. Eletriptan at doses of 40 or 80 mg led to a statistically significant reduction in Total Time Loss compared with placebo. There was also a statistically significant reduction for both eletriptan doses compared with Cafergot®. For Work Time Loss, both doses of eletriptan were superior to placebo and the 80 mg dose of eletriptan was superior to Cafergot®. The differences in Total and Work Time Loss between eletriptan and sumatriptan were not statistically significant.Cafergot®is a registered trademark of Alliance Pharmaceuticals, UK.