Comparison of mefenamic acid and propranolol with placebo in migraine prophylaxis.

The prophylactic effects of the antiprostaglandin agent mefenamic acid on migraine attacks were compared with propranolol or placebo in a double-blind crossover study of 29 patients. In the 17 patients who completed the trial the frequency of attacks and their total duration were significantly reduced during mefenamic acid therapy or propranolol therapy as compared to placebo. There were no significant effects of mefenamic acid or propranolol on average duration or severity of migraine attacks. The study suggests that mefenamic acid and propranolol are equally effective for migraine prophylaxis.