Oral ribofl avin versus oral propranolol in migraine prophylaxis: An open label randomized controlled trial
- Author:
Natasha J Nambiar
;
Cuckoo Aiyappa
;
R Srinivasa
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2011;16(3):223-229
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Migraine is a chronic, often debilitating disease. The treatment of migraine with
propranolol (80-240 mg/day) is limited by side effects and lack of tolerability. Ribofl avin (vitamin
B2) is the precursor of fl avin mononucleotide and fl avin adenine dinucleotide which are involved in
mitochondrial transport chain. The use of ribofl avin in migraine prophylaxis is based on the hypothesis
of a defi cient mitochondrial energy reserve as a causal factor in migraine pathogenesis, and on the
fi ndings of its safety and effectiveness at high doses (400 mg/day) in the treatment of migraine like
headaches in classic mitochondriopathies. Objectives: To compare the effi cacy of lower dose oral
ribofl avin at 100 mg/day with oral propranolol 80 mg/day in the reduction of migraine frequency and
severity. Methods: One hundred patients diagnosed with migraine were randomized to receive either
oral ribofl avin 100 mg/day or propranolol 80 mg/day for a period of 3 months. Patients were issued
a migraine diary and explained how to record the frequency of migraine attacks, headache intensity,
duration and to report any side effects. Follow-up was at the end of 3 and 6 months. Results: Both
study groups showed a reduction of migraine frequency, duration and severity of headache by visual
analogue scale (VAS), and disability by migraine disability questionnaire (MIDAS) score at 3 months.
No signifi cant difference was seen between the two study groups in most of the measures. Side effects
were signifi cantly less in the ribofl avin group (P=0.035).
Conclusion: Oral ribofl avin 100mg/day is a safe, equally effective and well tolerated alternative in
migraine prophylaxis.
- Full text:P020150806600219385229.pdf
