 |
 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Repeat Doses Of Asprin/Metoclopramide Effective In Migraine ------------------------------------------------------------------------ WESTPORT, Sep 11 (Reuters) - The efficacy of combined lysine acetylsalicylate and metoclopramide can be improved with repeated doses, French researchers report in the July/August issue of Headache. Dr. J.-E. Joire at Laboratoires Synthethelabo in Meudon La Foret and colleagues observe that aspirin absorption during a migraine attack is enhanced by metoclopramide, and the combination of oral lysine acetylsalicylate and metoclopramide has demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in migraine. However, the effects of a second or third dose of the combination after an ineffective first dose had not been explored. The group therefore conducted an open label study of repeated dosing in 292 migraineurs. Participants took one oral dose of 1620 mg lysine acetylsalicylate (equivalent to 900 mg aspirin) and 10 mg metoclopramide to treat an attack and, if this was ineffective, a second dose 2 hours later. A third dose or rescue medication could be taken 2 hours after a second ineffective dose. Diary cards were used to record headache severity, side effects of treatment, and recurrence. The regimen resulted in complete headache relief without recurrence or use of rescue medication in 37% of 517 treated attacks. Headaches recurred in 17% of attacks relieved after a first dose, in 19% relieved after a second dose, and in 10% relieved after a third dose. Side effects were generally mild, and included drowsiness, abdominal pain, asthenia, and nausea. These were reported by 56 participants treating 72 (14%) attacks. Ratings of the regimen were good or excellent for 78% of attacks treated with one dose, 41% of those treated with two doses, and 19% of those treated with three doses. Dr. Joire's team concludes that "...a second dose of oral [lysine acetylsalicylate/metoclopramide] should be recommended when a first dose is ineffective." Headache 1997;37:452-454. Copyright 1997 Reuters Limited. <http://www.reutershealth.com/news/docs/199709/19970911cli.html> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [log in to unmask]