Ketoprofen and ergotamine in acute migraine.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of ketoprofen and ergotamine in the treatment of acute migraine attacks without aura. The study design was a single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over comparison of a single dose of ketoprofen (100 mg) and ergotamine (2 mg) suppositories in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Fifty patients were included in the statistical evaluation. Ketoprofen was found to be more efficient than ergotamine and placebo in reducing the severity of pain. Ketoprofen was found to be more satisfactory than ergotamine and placebo with regard to influence on working ability, and better than placebo in global assessment. We conclude that ketoprofen (100 mg suppository) is superior to ergotamine (2 mg suppository) and placebo in the symptomatic treatment of acute migraine attacks, and has better tolerability.