QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Résumé Extracto Full Text PDF Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Articles Ahead of Print [Order Reprint] Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Google Scholar Articles by Evans, E. W Articles by Lorber, K. C PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Evans, E. W Articles by Lorber, K. C

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Use of 5-HT₁ Agonists in Pregnancy

Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Comprehensive Care, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center—Shreveport, Shreveport, LA

Kristin C Lorber, MSPAS

at time of writing, Physician Assistant, Neurology Associates, PC, Fayetteville, GA; now, Physician Assistant, Peachtree Hematology Oncology Consultants, Fayetteville

Reprints: Dr. Evans, 1725 Claiborne Ave., Shreveport, LA 71111, fax 318/632-2009, eevans{at}ulm.edu

OBJECTIVE: To report and evaluate available data on the use of serotonin 5-HT₁ agonists (triptans) during pregnancy.

DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search, limited to English-language articles on human subjects, was conducted (1990-December 2007) using the search terms pregnancy, migraine, and the individual triptan drug names. In addition, the manufacturers of all 7 available triptans were contacted regarding the existence of a pregnancy registry for their drug(s) and the availability of registry reports.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All retrospective and prospective studies reporting on pregnancy outcomes after the use of a triptan were included and critically evaluated. Data from all available manufacturer-sponsored pregnancy registries were also included.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Safe and effective treatment of migraine during pregnancy is imperative. Data involving sumatriptan and, to a lesser extent, naratriptan and rizatriptan, exist primarily regarding exposure in the first trimester. These data show no significant differences in congenital malformations or poor pregnancy outcomes when compared with expected rates in the general population or with the observed rates in control subjects. There is very little information regarding exposure in middle and late pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS: Sumatriptan appears to be a safe treatment alternative for pregnant women who experience new-onset or worsened migraines in the first trimester. Further observation is needed prior to recommending its use in later trimesters. Based upon available data, the other agents in this class cannot be recommended for use during pregnancy at this time.

Key Words: 5-HT₁ agonist, migraine, pregnancy, triptan

Published Online, March 18, 2008. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1K176

THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-08-006-H01

This article has been cited by other articles:

				P. J Goadsby, J. Goldberg, and S. D Silberstein Migraine in pregnancy BMJ, June 28, 2008; 336(7659): 1502 - 1504. [Full Text] [PDF]