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Naratriptan vs. Ibuprofen in Acute Migraine Treatment in Children
C. Sallucci
Posted February 2001
Cephalalgia, May 2000



Introduction:  Migraine headache diagnosis and treatment are generally underestimated in the pediatric population. Naratriptan and ibuprofen are efficacious drugs for the tgreatment of acute migraine attacks treatment.

Objective:  To assess the efficacy and safety of orally administered naratriptan (2.5 mg) and ibuprofen (200 mg) in children with migraine.

Method:  Forty children with migraine, aged between 12 and 16 years were studied. Diagnosis of migraine without aura was made according to the IHS criteria. CT scan and EEG were performed in all patients with normal results. Patients were divided into two equal treatments groups. No between group differences in age, sex or weight were observed. Only moderate or severe attacks were included. The intensity of pain was measured before drug intake and 2 hours later.

Results and Conclusion:  All patients in both groups improved after treatment. Neither naratriptan nor ibuprofen treated patients report adverse effects. Naratriptan is better than ibuprofen for the relief of migraine pain attack in children, but these two drugs have similar safety profiles.