Eletriptan

At Eletriptan it is a medicinal substance from the group of triptans (5-HT1 agonists). It is mainly used to treat acute headaches and migraines. Elektriptan is effective by reducing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

What is Eletriptan?

The active ingredient eletriptan is contained in numerous migraine medications. The drug belongs to the group of triptans. As such, it is primarily used to treat migraines and severe headaches.

Chemically, electriptan is an antagonist of the serotonin receptors. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. a. is responsible for a narrowing of the blood vessels.

Elektriptan is described as subtype 5-HAT 1B / 1D and was first patented in 1992. Replax® and similar drugs with this active ingredient are generally only subject to prescription in the European Union. Therefore, they cannot be acquired without a doctor's prescription. The drug is sold as film-coated tablets, each containing either 20 mg or 40 mg of eletriptan.

Pharmacological effect

As a subtype of a serotonin antagonist, electriptan acts primarily on the brain's serotonin receptors. The drug also develops an affinity for receptors of the subtype 5-HAT 1F, which according to some parts of the scientific literature contributes to its effectiveness. 5-HAT 1F receptors are found on cerebral blood vessels as well as on neurons.

Eleptriptan triggers a noticeable and measurable decrease in the release of serotonin. This means that the body's own blood vessels cannot constrict any further and thus ensures rapid headache relief.

In addition, Elektriptan blocks the release of other pain-releasing inflammatory mediators such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptides. This significantly reduces the headache that is typical of migraine headaches.

Medical application & use

Electriptan is found in a group of drugs called serotonin receptor agonists. Medicines that contain the active ingredient block u. a. the release of serotonin in the brain.

They are used to treat migraine headaches. They are suitable for headaches with or without aura. Visual disturbances, numbness and speech disorders that can occur before the start of a migraine attack are summarized as aura.

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Risks & side effects

Electriptan can cause side effects. In the case of existing intolerances, it must not be taken under any circumstances.

Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 100) are: Shivering, general weakness, chest discomfort, general upset stomach (indigestion), nausea, general stiffness of the muscles ([[muscle tension Tension]]), sweating, skin redness, back pain and Muscle weakness.

Occasionally, breathlessness, yawning, swelling of the face or hands and feet, increased sense of touch, visual disturbances, Eye pain, dry or watery eyes, frequent urination as well as increased Urine volume or problems urinating occur.

Rare side effects, however, are asthma, hives, Swelling of the tongue, shock, Swelling of the lymph nodes, Mood swings, voice changes, strong or prolonged Menstrual Period Women as well slow heartbeat.

It is forbidden to take it if there are severe functional impairments of the kidneys or liver, if the blood pressure is increased, if you have had heart problems in the past (e.g. angina pectoris, heart attack or cardiac arrhythmias), if the blood circulation is restricted, if drugs such as ergotamine are used shortly before the desired intake have been taken or have had a history of stroke.

Elektriptan can have significant interactions with other medicinal products. It should not be taken at all if ergotamine-containing or ergotamine-like medications have been taken 24 hours beforehand. There are also interactions with drugs used to treat HIV infections and AIDS (e.g. indinavir, ritonavir or nelfinavir), preparations used to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole or itraconazole), drugs used to treat bacterial infections (e.g. Clarithromycin, josamycin or erythromycin).

Taking medicines containing electriptan for several weeks can lead to long-term headache.