DRUGS USED TO TREAT MIGRAINE: THE ROUTINE OF BASIC HEALTHCARE UNITS AND HOSPITALS

Abstract

Introduction: Headache is one of the most common symptoms in clinical practice, which accounts for a considerable percentage of appointments in Basic Healthcare Units (BHUs) and Hospitals. Migraine (migraine headache), a subtype of primary headache, is one of the most common diagnoses regarding headaches in general. Therefore, it becomes important to study the clinical pharmacological management of this condition. Objective: This study aimed to review the existing literature about migraine and the pharmacological treatment performed in BHUs and hospitals. Material and Methods: Bibliographical searches were carried out in the databases Scielo and Pubmed of articles published between 2002 and 2012, using the following descriptors: “migraine headache”, “drugs and migraine”, “migraine and Basic Health Units”, “migraine and hospital emergencies”. Results: As migraine causes a strong discomfort to the patient, there is a need for a quick approach to solve the problem and satisfactorily maintain their daily activities. Therefore, an appropriate therapy should target episodes of crisis – use of medication to minimize patient suffering – and prophylaxis – use of medication to reduce the number and intensity of seizures. Conclusions: BHUs prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in case of mild to moderate episodes, and potent analgesics and triptans in case of moderate to severe episodes. Corticosteroids are the drugs of choice in the hospital setting, although intravenous dihydroergotamine or chlorpromazine are also considered. DESCRIPTORS Headache Primary. Migraine Headache. Therapy. Basic Health Units. Hospitals.