From the Guidelines
A migraine cocktail typically consists of a combination of medications, including a triptan, an anti-inflammatory, and an antiemetic, to effectively manage severe migraine symptoms and improve quality of life. The composition of a migraine cocktail may vary depending on the specific needs of the patient, but it often includes a triptan such as sumatriptan 6mg subcutaneously or 100mg orally 1, an anti-inflammatory medication like ketorolac 30mg IV/IM or ibuprofen 600-800mg orally 1, and an antiemetic like metoclopramide 10mg IV or prochlorperazine 10mg IV 1. Some key points to consider when composing a migraine cocktail include:
- The use of triptans, such as sumatriptan, which have been shown to be effective in treating migraine symptoms 1
- The inclusion of anti-inflammatory medications, like ketorolac or ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain 1
- The addition of antiemetics, such as metoclopramide or prochlorperazine, to help manage nausea and vomiting associated with migraines 1
- The potential use of other medications, like magnesium sulfate, valproic acid, or dexamethasone, to prevent recurrence or treat severe cases 1 It's essential to note that the specific composition of a migraine cocktail may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and medical history, and should be determined by a healthcare professional. In terms of specific medications and dosages, some options include:
- Sumatriptan 6mg subcutaneously or 100mg orally 1
- Ketorolac 30mg IV/IM or ibuprofen 600-800mg orally 1
- Metoclopramide 10mg IV or prochlorperazine 10mg IV 1
- Magnesium sulfate 1-2g IV, valproic acid 500-1000mg IV, or dexamethasone 10mg IV for severe cases or to prevent recurrence 1
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Composition of a Migraine Cocktail
The composition of a migraine cocktail can vary, but it typically consists of medications such as triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) and anti-emetics.
- Triptans, such as sumatriptan, are commonly used to treat migraine attacks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Anti-emetics, such as metoclopramide, are often used in combination with triptans to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraine attacks 3, 4, 5
- Other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and opioids, may also be used in a migraine cocktail, although their use may be limited due to potential side effects and risks 2, 5, 6
Medications Used in Migraine Cocktails
- Sumatriptan: a triptan that is commonly used to treat migraine attacks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Metoclopramide: an anti-emetic that is often used in combination with triptans to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraine attacks 3, 4, 5
- NSAIDs: such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, which may be used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with migraine attacks 5, 6
- Corticosteroids: which may be used to reduce inflammation and prevent headache recurrence after discharge from the emergency department 5
- Opioids: such as meperidine, tramadol, and nalbuphine, which may be used to relieve pain associated with migraine attacks, although their use is limited due to potential side effects and risks 5