Almotriptan versus ibuprofen in migraine: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of almotriptan and ibuprofen in migraine. Material and methods: This study was a randomised placebo‐controlled trial conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital located in a rural area. Migraine patients with < 8 attacks/month were included. Results: A total of two hundred and sixteen migraine patients were randomised to almotriptan 12.5 mg (73), ibuprofen 400 mg (71) and placebo (72). The efficacy was assessed by headache relief, and headache freedom at 2 hours and 24 hours. Two‐hour headache relief was noted in 73.97% in almotriptan, 53.52% in ibuprofen and 13.88 % in placebo groups. Headache freedom was achieved in 23 (31.5) % in almotriptan, 20 (28.16)% in ibuprofen, and 2 (2.7%) in placebo groups. Almotriptan was superior to ibuprofen and placebo in relieving headache at 2 hours and at 24 hours. Side‐effects were noted in 9 patients in almotriptan, 8 in ibuprofen, and 3 in placebo, all of which were nonsignificant. Conclusion: We concluded that almotriptan is superior to ibuprofen in relieving headache, associated symptoms, and functional disability.