Metoprolol v. Clonidine in The Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine

Abstract

In a double-blind, cross-over trial, the migraine prophylactic effect of the b1-adrenoceptor antagonist metoprolol was compared with that of clonidine. The dosage of metoprolol was 50 mg b.i.d. and of clonidine 50 üg b.i.d. Thirty-one patients were included; twenty-three completed the entire study. Six patients withdrew during clonidine treatment, one during metoprolol treatment and one during the wash-out period (placebo). Metoprolol had a significantly better migraine prophylactic effect than clonidine regarding such parameters as the attack frequency, the number of migraine days and the sum of intensity score. Compared to baseline (placebo), metoprolol decreased these parameters, while clonidine did not. Metoprolol, but not clonidine, also. reduced the acute consumption of analgesics. No differences were found as regards side effects.