An open multi-centre Swiss study on efficacy, safety and tolerability of oral sumatriptan in the treatment of migraine under practice conditions

The objectives of this open study were to determine the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 50 mg and 100 mg oral doses of sumatriptan in migraineurs under practice conditions in Switzerland. Among the patients (n = 163) treated with 50 mg tablets for the first 2 attacks, half (n = 81) were aiming for a higher efficacy and switched to 100 mg for the subsequent 2 attacks. With 50 mg tablets, 2 hours after intake, 63% of the attacks were treated successfully, and 75% after 4 hours. Response rates with the 100 mg treatment (n = 81) were similar: 59% (2 h) and 69% (4 h). Both dosages were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events.The study confirms the dose dependent efficacy of oral sumatriptan. For some patients, the switch from 50 mg to 100 mg single doses appears to be a promising option. The results seem to be fairly comparable to those obtained in other countries, in well controlled studies, and under clinical conditions.