Frovatriptan
FROVA
What it is5-HT1B/1D agonist with the longest half-life of the triptans; acute migraine.
Why this oneThe long duration suits menstrual migraine, where it is used for short-term prevention.
What limits itSlow onset, so it is wrong for a fast attack. Coronary vasospasm.
FDA-approved for
- migraine (2001)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute migraine | Adults | 2.5 mg PRN | 2.5 mg PRN | 7.5 mg (3 tablets)/24h |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Second dose ≥2 h after first; max 3 tablets/24h; no evidence a 2nd dose helps initial non-responders
Instructions
- Take with fluids
- May repeat once ≥2 h after first dose if migraine recurs
Contraindications
- Ischemic coronary artery disease or coronary artery vasospasm (incl. Prinzmetal's angina)
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or other cardiac accessory conduction pathway disorders
- History of stroke, TIA, or hemiplegic/basilar migraine
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Ischemic bowel disease
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Recent use (within 24 h) of another 5-HT1 agonist or ergotamine/ergot-type medication
Cautions
- Myocardial ischemia/infarction and Prinzmetal's angina
- Arrhythmias — discontinue if occur
- Chest/throat/neck/jaw pain or tightness
- Cerebral/subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke
- GI and peripheral vasospastic reactions
- Medication overuse headache
- MAOIs due to risk of serotonin syndrome
- Blood pressure increases
Adverse reactions
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Paresthesia
- Dry mouth
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Hot/cold sensation
- Chest pain
- Flushing
Pregnancy No adequate human data; developmental toxicity in animals at higher-than-clinical doses
Lactation No human data; present in rat milk
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskSlow onset; coronary vasospasm
Cost, est. cash$10–$300/month
Generic entry2014
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityAgent-specific vascular, serotonergic or hepatic risks; acute overdose is usually limited outside ergot or cardiovascular agents.
Mechanism of action: Frovatriptan ballicule
