A 28-year-old patient with headaches behind the right eye seeks abortive therapy. The best choice is which medication?

Prepare effectively for the Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating and Assessment Tool (PACKRAT) 1 Exam with comprehensive resources, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Ace your test with ease!

Multiple Choice

A 28-year-old patient with headaches behind the right eye seeks abortive therapy. The best choice is which medication?

Explanation:
Abortive therapy for an acute migraine relies on agents that rapidly terminate the attack. Sumatriptan fits this role because it is a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist that works quickly to constrict inflamed cranial vessels and to inhibit the release of inflammatory neuropeptides from trigeminal nerve endings. This dual action stops the headache and associated symptoms during an acute attack, making it the preferred choice for rapid relief. The other medications are mainly preventive: amitriptyline is used to reduce migraine frequency, while verapamil and propranolol are preventive agents as well. Therefore, sumatriptan is the best option for abortive therapy.

Abortive therapy for an acute migraine relies on agents that rapidly terminate the attack. Sumatriptan fits this role because it is a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist that works quickly to constrict inflamed cranial vessels and to inhibit the release of inflammatory neuropeptides from trigeminal nerve endings. This dual action stops the headache and associated symptoms during an acute attack, making it the preferred choice for rapid relief. The other medications are mainly preventive: amitriptyline is used to reduce migraine frequency, while verapamil and propranolol are preventive agents as well. Therefore, sumatriptan is the best option for abortive therapy.

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