Migralin (Frovatriptan)

• Frovatriptan belongs to the triptan class and is used to treat migraine attacks by targeting serotonin pathways.
• Migraine: provides rapid relief of headache pain, nausea, and photophobia associated with an acute migraine episode.
• Migraine with aura: reduces the severity and duration of aura symptoms and subsequent headache.
• Menstrual migraine: offers effective relief when migraine attacks are linked to the menstrual cycle.

• Frovatriptan acts as a selective agonist at serotonin 5‑HT1B and 5‑HT1D receptors located on intracranial blood vessels and trigeminal nerve endings. Activation of these receptors causes cranial vasoconstriction and inhibits the release of pro‑inflammatory neuropeptides, thereby interrupting the pain signaling cascade responsible for migraine.

Frovatriptan may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers or face
• Dizziness or light‑headedness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Dry mouth

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Coronary vasospasm or myocardial infarction
• Severe hypertension or hypertensive crisis
• Serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with serotonergic agents
• Allergic reactions such as rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis
• Severe skin reactions like Stevens‑Johnson syndrome
• Persistent or worsening headache (rebound headache)

• Before prescribing Frovatriptan, clinicians should assess cardiovascular risk and consider drug‑specific warnings.
• Cardiovascular disease: avoid use in patients with coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or history of stroke.
• Other triptans: do not combine with other triptan medications within 24 hours.
• Ergot derivatives: avoid concurrent use due to additive vasoconstriction.
• Serotonergic agents: monitor closely when used with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors.
• Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; use only if benefit outweighs risk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Frovatriptan can interact with several drug classes, requiring caution.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• MAO inhibitors: increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Other triptans: additive vasoconstrictive effects.
• Ergot alkaloids: heightened vasospasm risk.
• SSRIs/SNRIs: potential for serotonin syndrome.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine): may raise frovatriptan plasma levels.
• Antihypertensive agents: monitor blood pressure for additive effects.
• Oral contraceptives: may slightly increase migraine frequency; observe clinical response.