Efficacy of zolmitriptan nasal spray in adult patients with migraine

Introduction. Migraine is a common disabling condition. Migraine patients require fast-acting drugs with high efficacy. Prior studies have demonstrated that zolmitriptan oral dosage forms (oral tablets) are highly effective in the treatment of migraine attacks.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy, timing of onset of therapeutic effect and tolerability of zolmitriptan nasal spray (Xsenza®) in the treatment of migraine.

Materials and methods. A total of 39 patients aged 20 to 58 years with migraine were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre, observational study. Patients were included in a group to treat three consecutive migraine attacks with zolmitriptan nasal spray at a dose of 2.5 mg according to their habitual behaviour model that most closely reflects clinical practice. Efficacy endpoint (positive attack treatment outcome) was the generally accepted measure of reduction in cephalalgia intensity and concomitant autonomic symptoms (reduction in pain and autonomic symptoms from severe/moderate to mild/absence severity according to VAS) 2 hours after zolmitriptan inhalation.

Results. The absence or mild intensity of headache was reported in 25% of patients 10 minutes (earliest assessment in that study) and in 28% of patients 30 minutes after administration of the drug. The proportion of patients with positive treatment outcomes in all three consecutive migraine attacks two hours after administration of zolmitriptan nasal spray 2.5 mg was 69.2%, 75% and 75%, respectively. Zolmitriptan nasal spray was well tolerated, while most adverse events were mild in severity and transient in nature.

Conclusions. Zolmitriptan nasal spray (Xsenza®) is highly effective in the treatment of migraine attacks and has a rapid onset of action. The drug combines high efficacy and good tolerability.

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