frovatriptan succinate monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist, known as a triptan.
Licensed use
Acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine with or without aura in adults.
Form
Film-coated tablet swallowed whole with water.
Food
May be taken with or without food.
Driving
Migraine and frovatriptan can cause sleepiness; do not drive if affected.
What is frovatriptan succinate monohydrate used for?
Licensed for acute migraine treatment, not routine prevention.
Headache phase of migraine attacks with aura in adults.
Headache phase of migraine attacks without aura in adults.
How does frovatriptan succinate monohydrate work?
Frovatriptan activates serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. This limits migraine-related widening of intracranial blood vessels and related pain signalling.
frovatriptan succinate monohydrate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2.5 mg
How to take frovatriptan succinate monohydrate
Use exactly as prescribed for the headache phase of a diagnosed migraine. It is not intended for routine prevention or use during aura before the headache begins.
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water.
It may be taken with or without food.
Check the pack leaflet because appearance and storage requirements can differ between products.
frovatriptan succinate monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Tingling, numbness or altered sensation
- Headache
- Flushing or sweating
- Tiredness
- Nausea, dry mouth, indigestion or abdominal pain
- Visual disturbance
- Throat tightness or chest discomfort
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious allergic reaction, including angioedema or anaphylaxis
- Severe or persistent chest pain or tightness suggesting reduced cardiac blood flow
- Possible serotonin syndrome
- New stroke-like or otherwise atypical neurological symptoms
frovatriptan succinate monohydrate in pregnancy
Evidence specific to frovatriptan in pregnancy is limited, and the product information does not recommend it unless clearly necessary. A triptan can be used when recommended by a doctor, although sumatriptan has substantially more pregnancy evidence. Seek a treatment review when planning pregnancy or after becoming pregnant.
frovatriptan succinate monohydrate while breastfeeding
Human breastfeeding information is limited. Product information advises against use unless clearly needed and recommends interrupting breastfeeding after use. An alternative with more evidence may be preferred, particularly for a newborn or premature infant. Obtain product-specific advice from a prescriber or pharmacist.
frovatriptan succinate monohydrate interactions
Check all prescription, non-prescription and herbal products before using frovatriptan.
Other triptans
Do not combine because additive blood-vessel constriction can increase cardiovascular adverse effects.
Ergotamine, its derivatives and methysergide
Do not combine because additive hypertension and coronary constriction may occur.
Common questions about frovatriptan succinate monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does frovatriptan prevent migraines?
No. Its licence covers treatment of the headache phase of an attack, not routine prevention.
Can it treat migraine with aura?
It can treat the headache phase whether or not aura occurred, but use during aura before the headache begins has not been established.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.