For 70% of migraine patients, the new orally disintegrating zolmitriptan (Zomig) tablet is preferable to the conventional tablet, Dr. Andrew J. Dowson reported at WONCA 2001, the conference of the World Organization of Family Doctors.
He reported on a randomized, multi-center trial involving 471 migraine patients. Participants received either a placebo tablet or a 2.5-mg tablet of zolmitriptan in the new formulation that dissolves rapidly on the tongue to treat a single, moderate to severe episode of acute migraine.
In the patient-preference portion of the study, 78% of those in the zolmitriptan group said that they found the new formulation more convenient than the conventional tablet, with which they were familiar from treating prior migraine attacks. Moreover, 70% said that they could treat themselves sooner than with a conventional tablet that needs to be swallowed with liquids, said Dr. Dowson of King's College Hospital, London.
Among patients who took the rapidly dissolving zolmitriptan tablet, 45% had a significant lessening of headache at 1 hour, as did 63% by 2 hours. In the placebo group, the 1-hour and 2-hour response rates were 19% and 22%, respectively.
Adverse events occurred in 27% of zolmitriptan-treated patients and in 12% of those on placebo and most were mild to moderate and of short duration. Events in the zolmitriptan group included drowsiness and paresthesia. The study was sponsored by AstraZeneca, maker of Zomig.
COPYRIGHT 2001 International Medical News Group
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group
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