Migard (Frovatriptan)

Frovatriptan belongs to the Triptan class and is used for acute migraine management.

• Migraine attacks: provides rapid relief of headache pain, nausea, photophobia and phonophobia.
• Migraine with aura: reduces the severity of aura symptoms and associated headache when taken early.
• Episodic migraine episodes: used as an as‑needed therapy to manage recurrent migraine attacks.

• Frovatriptan selectively binds to serotonin 5‑HT1B and 5‑HT1D receptors on intracranial blood vessels and trigeminal nerve terminals. Activation of these receptors causes cranial vasoconstriction and inhibits the release of pro‑inflammatory neuropeptides, thereby interrupting the pain signaling cascade responsible for migraine attacks.

Frovatriptan may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild to moderate in severity.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate feeling of stomach upset.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness or vertigo.
• Fatigue: feeling unusually tired after dosing.
• Dry mouth: reduced salivation.
• Chest discomfort: mild pressure or tightness.
• Tingling sensations: paresthesia in extremities.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Coronary vasospasm: constriction of heart arteries that can cause chest pain.
• Myocardial infarction: rare heart attack events.
• Serotonin syndrome: potentially life‑threatening condition when combined with other serotonergic agents.
• Severe hypertension: abrupt increase in blood pressure.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm.

Before prescribing Frovatriptan, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Assess cardiovascular history: evaluate for ischemic heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension or cerebrovascular disorders.
• Review concomitant serotonergic drugs: avoid combined use that may precipitate serotonin syndrome.
• Evaluate hepatic function: dose adjustment may be required in severe liver impairment.
• Counsel on timing of dose: take at the first sign of migraine for optimal efficacy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Frovatriptan can interact with several medication classes; awareness of interaction severity guides clinical decisions.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• MAO‑inhibitors: risk of severe hypertension and serotonin syndrome.
• Other Triptans or ergot derivatives: additive vasoconstrictive effects.
• SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic agents: heightened risk of serotonin syndrome.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin): may increase plasma levels of Frovatriptan.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may reduce efficacy.
• Antihypertensive agents: monitor blood pressure for additive effects.