Prepare for the Pharmacology IV – Headache Therapeutics Test. Review the therapeutic approaches, tackle multiple-choice questions with explanations, and boost your test-taking confidence. Ace your exam with precision!

Multiple Choice

List a major contraindication to triptan use.

Triptans relieve migraine by activating 5-HT1B/1D receptors and causing cranial vasoconstriction. In people with ischemic heart disease or a history of stroke or cerebrovascular disease, this vasoconstrictive action can precipitate myocardial ischemia or cerebral ischemia, raising the risk of heart attack or new stroke. For that reason, ischemic heart disease or a history of stroke/cerebrovascular disease is a major contraindication to triptan use. Uncontrolled hypertension is more of a precaution than a definite contraindication, recent migraine with aura is not an absolute contraindication, and young age is not a barrier to use.

Triptans relieve migraine by activating 5-HT1B/1D receptors and causing cranial vasoconstriction. In people with ischemic heart disease or a history of stroke or cerebrovascular disease, this vasoconstrictive action can precipitate myocardial ischemia or cerebral ischemia, raising the risk of heart attack or new stroke. For that reason, ischemic heart disease or a history of stroke/cerebrovascular disease is a major contraindication to triptan use. Uncontrolled hypertension is more of a precaution than a definite contraindication, recent migraine with aura is not an absolute contraindication, and young age is not a barrier to use.