Eletriptan – the versatile one
The background to this development is the desire to have a substance with the following properties:
- Particularly long-lasting effect
- Reliable recording
- Low rate of side effects, especially regarding the cardiovascular system.
Clinical studies have shown that eletriptan (Relpax) can act even more precisely and potently on serotonin receptors. Like sumatriptan, eletriptan constricts blood vessels in the brain. However, unlike sumatriptan, higher doses of eletriptan are required to achieve vasoconstriction in the coronary arteries. This suggests that coronary artery side effects are less likely with eletriptan.
In vascular segments outside the brain, such as the arteries of the leg, eletriptan exhibits no vasoconstrictive effect. The substance blocks neurogenic inflammation in the meninges. The strength of this blockade is comparable to that of sumatriptan. Eletriptan penetrates fatty tissue more effectively than sumatriptan and is therefore absorbed more readily into brain tissue. In the gastrointestinal tract, eletriptan is absorbed approximately five times faster than sumatriptan. This rapid absorption is particularly important during migraine attacks, as a quick onset of relief is desired.
Key features in brief
- A significant effect is already evident in 41 percent of patients after one hour with 80 mg of eletriptan.
- In addition to reducing pain, the accompanying symptoms of the migraine attack are also quickly alleviated.
- The ability to work or pursue other activities is evident in 75 percent of treated patients as early as two hours after taking the medication.
- Side effects occur in less than 4 percent of treated patients.
- Overall, the studies show that eletriptan at a dose of 80 mg is more effective than sumatriptan at a dose of 100 mg.