Network meta-analysis of migraine disorder treatment by NSAIDs and triptans

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anti-inflammatory-agents-non-steroidal #humans #ibuprofen #migraine-disorders #oxazolidinones

Network meta-analysis of migraine disorder treatment by NSAIDs and triptans

Xu et al., 2016 | J Headache Pain | Other

Citation

Xu Haiyang, Han Wei, ... Li Mingxian. Network meta-analysis of migraine disorder treatment by NSAIDs and triptans. J Headache Pain. 2016-Dec;17(1):113

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a neurological disorder resulting in large socioeconomic burden. This network meta-analysis (NMA) is designed to compare the relative efficacy and tolerability of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and triptans. METHODS: We conducted systematic searches in database PubMed and Embase. Treatment effectiveness was compared by synthesizing direct and indirect evidences using NMA. The surface under curve ranking area (SUCRA) was created to rank those interventions. RESULTS: Eletriptan and rizatriptan are superior to sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan, ibuprofen and aspirin with respect to pain-relief. When analyzing 2 h-nausea-absence, rizatriptan has a better efficacy than sumatriptan, while other treatments indicate no distinctive difference compared with placebo. Furthermore, sumatriptan demonstrates a higher incidence of all-adverse-event compared with diclofenac-potassium, ibuprofen and almotriptan. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that eletriptan may be the most suitable therapy for migraine from a comprehensive point of view. In the meantime ibuprofen may also be a good choice for its excellent tolerability. Multi-component medication also attracts attention and may be a promising avenue for the next generation of migraine treatment.

Key Findings

Eletriptan and rizatriptan are superior to sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan, ibuprofen and aspirin with respect to pain-relief. When analyzing 2 h-nausea-absence, rizatriptan has a better efficacy than sumatriptan, while other treatments indicate no distinctive difference compared with placebo. Furthermore, sumatriptan demonstrates a higher incidence of all-adverse-event compared with diclofenac-potassium, ibuprofen and almotriptan.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen
  • Migraine Disorders
  • Oxazolidinones
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sumatriptan
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triazoles
  • Tryptamines

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Other
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Network Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

  • PMID: 27957624
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: PMC5153398
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09