Trade names Frova MedlinePlus a604013 ATC code N02CC07 (WHO) CAS ID 158930-17-7 | AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Routes of
administration Oral Molar mass 243.304 g/mol | |
 | ||
Pregnancy
category AU: B3
US: C (Risk not ruled out) | ||
Review of frovatriptan in migraine video abstract 105932
Frovatriptan (trade name Frova) is a triptan drug developed by Vernalis for the treatment of migraine headaches and for short term prevention of menstrual migraine. The product is licensed to Endo Pharmaceuticals in North America and Menarini in Europe.
Contents
Spotlight on frovatriptan v12
Pharmacology
Frovatriptan inhibits excessive dilation of arteries that supply blood to the head. It is available as 2.5 mg tablets.
Frovatriptan has mean terminal elimination half-life of approximately 26 hours, which is substantially longer than other triptans.
Mechanism of action
Frovatriptan is a 5HT receptor agonist, with high affinity for the 5-HT1B/1D receptors. It has no significant effects on the GABAA mediated channel activity and benzodiazepine binding sites.
Adverse effects
Serious but rare cardiac events have been reported in patients with risk factors predictive of CAD. These include: coronary artery vasospasm, transient myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
Contraindications
Frovatriptan should not be given to patients with:
US licensing
Frovatriptan is available only by prescription in the United States, and Canada where a secondary New Drug Approval (sNDA) was filed in July 2006.