You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Emergency Medicine > PEDIATRIC Pediatrics, HeadacheArticle Last Updated: Feb 13, 2008AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Kirsten A Bechtel, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital Kirsten A Bechtel is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics Editors: William G Gossman, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Creighton University Medical Center; Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc; Wayne Wolfram, MD, MPH, Clinical Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and University of Cincinnati; John D Halamka, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Richard G Bachur, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Associate Chief and Fellowship Director, Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Boston Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: headache, migraine, migraine headache, tension headache, sinus headache, sinusitis, head trauma, intracranial mass, benign intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, epilepsy, meningeal irritation, headache causes, headaches in teenagers, basilar migraine, cyclic vomiting syndrome, CVS, ophthalmoplegic migraine, cluster headache, medication overuse headache, MOH, hemiplegic migraine, hemisensory migraine, common migraine, classic migraine, complicated migraine INTRODUCTIONBackgroundHeadache is a common reason for children to seek medical care. Headaches in children may be due to numerous causes, such as migraine and its variants, intracranial masses, or sinusitis. This article discusses the important and common causes of headache in the pediatric population. PathophysiologyBecause the brain is insensate, headache is due to the stimulation of pain sensitive nerve fibers in large cerebral arteries and veins, the periosteum of the skull, the muscle and skin of the scalp, the sinus mucosa, the temporomandibular joint, the teeth, or the gingiva. The pathophysiology of migraine headache is multifactorial. The onset of a migraine headache is thought to be mediated by cortical spreading depression (CSD), which is due to neuronal activation followed by suppression, which spreads over the cortical surface. A simultaneous change occurs in cerebral blood flow, characterized by hyperperfusion, followed by hypoperfusion. CSD is thought to be caused by either trauma or changes in the local concentrations of hydrogen ions, potassium, and glutamate. CSD activates CNS nociceptors, possibly through the release of nitric oxide, atrionatriuretic factor, activation of noradrenergic pathways, and/or changes in cerebral blood flow. CSD also causes neurogenic inflammation, which also stimulates the release of several different neurotransmitters that lead to cerebral vasodilatation and activation of CNS nociceptors. FrequencyUnited StatesNearly 40% of Americans have a significant headache at some time. Children frequently complain of headache. Headaches are very common during childhood and become increasing more frequent during adolescence. The prevalence of headache, in general, ranges from 37-51% during the elementary school years and gradually rises to 57-82% by the high school years. Before puberty, reports indicate that boys are more frequently affected than girls, but, following the onset of puberty, headaches are reportedly more frequent in girls. Mortality/MorbidityHeadache can cause significant disruption in a child's daily activities. For example, children with migraine headache are often not appropriately diagnosed and thus go untreated. In a large study looking at the prevalence of migraine headache, 31% of patients reported that they had missed at least one day of school or work in the previous 3 months. In this same study, more than half of patients reported that their productivity was reduced by 50%. CLINICALHistoryA thorough history should be obtained in any child presenting to the ED with a headache. The history should describe headache onset, duration, severity, and associated symptoms. A family history of migraines may be helpful in clarifying the diagnosis. A medication history should also be sought.
PhysicalA thorough physical examination often can exclude systemic causes of headache.
Causes
DIFFERENTIALSEncephalitis Epidural and Subdural Infections Epidural Hematoma Headache, Cluster Headache, Migraine Headache, Tension Hypertensive Emergencies Meningitis Neoplasms, Brain Pediatrics, Meningitis and Encephalitis Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Subdural Hematoma Toxicity, Vitamin
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| Drug Name | Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin, Empirin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Treats mild to moderate pain. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents formation of platelet-aggregating thromboxane A2. |
| Adult Dose | 325-650 mg PO q4-6h prn pain; not to exceed 4 g/d |
| Pediatric Dose | 10-15 mg/kg/dose PO q4h prn pain; not to exceed 60-80 mg/kg/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; liver damage; hypoprothrombinemia; vitamin K deficiency; bleeding disorders; asthma; because of association of aspirin with Reye syndrome, do not to use in children (<16 y) with flu |
| Interactions | Effects may decrease with antacids and urinary alkalinizers; corticosteroids decrease salicylate serum levels; additive hypoprothrombinemic effects and increased bleeding time may occur with coadministration of anticoagulants; may antagonize uricosuric effects of probenecid and increase toxicity of phenytoin and valproic acid; doses >2 g/d may potentiate glucose-lowering effect of sulfonylurea drugs |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | May cause transient decrease in renal function and aggravate chronic kidney disease; avoid use in severe anemia, history of blood coagulation defects, or current anticoagulant use |
| Drug Name | Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) |
|---|---|
| Description | DOC for pain in patients with documented hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs, upper GI disease, or current oral anticoagulant use. |
| Adult Dose | 325-650 mg PO/PR q4-6h prn; not to exceed 4 g/d |
| Pediatric Dose | 10-15 mg/kg/dose PO/PR q4-6h prn; not to exceed 2.6 g/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; liver failure; G-6-PD deficiency |
| Interactions | Rifampin can reduce analgesic effects of acetaminophen; coadministration with barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins, and isoniazid may increase hepatotoxicity |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals |
| Precautions | Hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholism following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; acetaminophen is contained in many OTC products, and combined use with these products may result in cumulative acetaminophen doses exceeding recommended maximum dose |
| Drug Name | Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) |
|---|---|
| Description | NSAID that is DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. |
| Adult Dose | 200-400 mg PO q4-6h prn pain; not to exceed 3.2 g/d |
| Pediatric Dose | 5-10 mg/kg/dose PO q4-6h prn pain; not to exceed 2.4 g/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI bleeding or perforation renal insufficiency; high risk of bleeding |
| Interactions | Coadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effect of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; monitor PT closely (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in anticoagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy |
| Drug Name | Morphine sulfate |
|---|---|
| Description | DOC for analgesia because of reliable and predictable effects, safety profile, and ease of reversibility with naloxone. Most potent of the opiate agonists and is useful for the acute management of headache due to migraine. Various IV doses are used and are commonly titrated until desired effect obtained. Its use is cautioned in conditions with raised intracranial pressure. |
| Adult Dose | 2.5-20 mg/dose IV q2-6h prn |
| Pediatric Dose | 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/dose IV q1h prn |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; hypotension; potentially compromised airway where establishing rapid airway control would be difficult; increased intracranial pressure; severe renal or hepatic failure |
| Interactions | Phenothiazines may antagonize analgesic effects of opiate agonists; tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, and other CNS depressants may potentiate adverse effects of morphine |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Avoid in hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea, emesis, constipation, and urinary retention; caution in atrial flutter and other supraventricular tachycardias; has vagolytic action and may increase ventricular response rate |
This agent promotes sleep in children with migraine headache.
| Drug Name | Chloral hydrate (Aquachloral) |
|---|---|
| Description | CNS depressant. Mechanism of action unknown. |
| Adult Dose | 500-1000 mg PO/PR; not to exceed 2 g/d |
| Pediatric Dose | 25-50 mg/kg/dose PO qd or bid prn; not to exceed 2 g/24 h in 2 divided doses |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; severe cardiac, renal, or hepatic insufficiency; history of porphyria; allergy to tartrazine dye |
| Interactions | May potentiate effects of CNS depressants, warfarin, and alcohol |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | CNS depression, additive with other CNS depressants; SVT and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported during toxic doses; minimal respiratory depressant effects (isolated case reports in the literature); adverse reactions include drowsiness, hypothermia, dysarthria, ataxia, excitability, and generalized weakness; other adverse effects include rash, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmia, confusion, hallucinations, and, rarely, convulsions |
Although the pathophysiology is uncertain, abnormalities of the cerebral vasculature, causing vasoconstriction, and then vasodilation, is the most often cited mechanism for migraine. A reduction in regional cerebral blood flow during the aura and early headache phases of migraine has been demonstrated. This is the rationale behind the use of vasoconstrictive agents in the treatment of migraine. Therapeutic activity of the serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (ie, triptans) in migraine is most likely attributed to agonist effects at 5-HT1B/1D receptors. These specific receptor subtypes act on the extracerebral, intracranial blood vessels that become dilated during a migraine attack and on nerve terminals in the trigeminal system. Triptans have not been FDA approved for children younger than 18 years.
A recent report of the American Academy of Neurology quality standards subcommittee and the practice committee of the child neurology society has provided guidelines for treating migraine headaches in children and adolescents.1
| Drug Name | Ergotamine (Ergomar) |
|---|---|
| Description | Alpha-adrenergic and serotonin (5HT1) antagonist and partial agonist (depending on receptor site). Causes constriction of peripheral and cranial blood vessels. Useful in classic and common migraine headache. Works best if used in early stages of migraine. Significant nausea and vomiting has been associated with its use. |
| Adult Dose | Oral: 2 tab PO at onset of attack and 1 tab q30min prn; not to exceed 6 tab per attack or 10 tab/wk Sublingual: 1 tab SL at first sign of the attack and 1 tab q30min; not to exceed 3 tab/24 h or 5 tab/wk |
| Pediatric Dose | 1-2 mg SL at time of attack, repeat q30min; not to exceed 3 doses/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic or renal disease; peptic ulcer disease; sepsis; peripheral vascular disease; pregnancy; hypertension; PVD; not to be prescribed for hemiplegic migraine |
| Interactions | Increases effects of heparin and toxicity of nitroglycerin, propranolol, erythromycin, and clarithromycin |
| Pregnancy | X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk |
| Precautions | Strong uterine stimulant actions; avoid using prolonged regimens because of danger of causing gangrene or dependency; commonly causes nausea and vomiting |
| Drug Name | Sumatriptan (Imitrex) |
|---|---|
| Description | Selective agonist for serotonin 5-HT1 receptors (probably 5HT1D) in cranial arteries and suppresses inflammation associated with migraine headaches. Useful in common and classic migraine during early stages of headache. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use triptans in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | Oral: 25 mg PO at migraine onset; if satisfactory response not observed in 2 h, an additional dose (not to exceed 100 mg) may be administered; administer an additional dose q2h if headache returns; not to exceed cumulative daily dose of 200 mg; individualize initial dose, may use 25, 50, or 100 mg; weigh possible benefit of higher dose with potential for risk of adverse effects Injection: 6 mg SC; if satisfactory response not observed in 1 h, an additional 6 mg injection may be administered, not to exceed 2 injections/d Intranasal: 5, 10, or 20 mg may be administered in one nostril; may administer 10 mg dose by administering a single 5 mg dose in each nostril; if satisfactory response not observed in 2 h, additional dose may be administered, not to exceed 40 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established; data limited, clinical trials have shown the nasal spray (5-20 mg) effective to treat acute migraine in adolescents |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension |
| Interactions | Toxicity increases when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, and bloody diarrhea may occur rarely when administering medication; adverse effects include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness |
| Drug Name | Zolmitriptan (Zomig, Zomig-ZMT) |
|---|---|
| Description | For symptomatic relief. Selective serotonin (5HT1) receptor agonist in cranial arteries; elicits vasoconstriction and reduce inflammation associated with antidromic neuronal transmission in CH. High affinity for 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B receptor subtypes. Can reduce severity of headache within 15 min of SC injection. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | 2.5 mg or 5 mg PO; repeat dose after 2 h prn; not to exceed 10 mg/d; may give dose lower than 2.5 mg by breaking scored tab in half Oral disintegrating tablets: 2.5 mg dissolved on tongue once; may repeat dose after 2 h, not to exceed 10 mg/24 h Intranasal: 5 mg administered in 1 nostril at migraine onset; may repeat once after 2 h if needed; not to exceed 10 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease and uncontrolled hypertension; do not administer within 24 h of taking another serotonin agonist or ergotamine or within 2 wk of taking an MAOI |
| Interactions | Toxicity increases when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, bloody diarrhea, and death may occur when administering this medication |
| Drug Name | Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig) |
|---|---|
| Description | Selective 5-HT1 agonist with a long half-life. High affinity for 5-HT1D receptor subtype. Duration of action up to 24 h with low headache recurrence rate. Useful for patients with slow-onset prolonged migraine, such as menstrual migraine. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | 1-2.5 mg PO at migraine onset; may repeat once after 4 h; not to exceed 5 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension; cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular syndromes; severe renal impairment (CrCl <15 mL/min); severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh grade C) |
| Interactions | Oral contraceptives may significantly increase serum concentrations and prolonged vasospastic reactions may occur, avoid concurrent use within 24 h of each other; toxicity may increase when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals |
| Precautions | Chest, jaw, or neck tightness may occur after 5-HT1 agonist administration; atypical sensations over precordium (pain, tightness, pressure, heaviness) may occur (rarely associated with arrhythmias or ischemic ECG changes); evaluate patients with signs or symptoms suggestive of angina for presence of CAD or predisposition to Prinzmetal angina before receiving additional doses; monitor ECG if dosing resumed and similar symptoms recur |
| Drug Name | Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) |
|---|---|
| Description | Selective agonist for serotonin 5-HT1 receptors in cranial arteries and suppresses the inflammation associated with migraine headaches. High affinity for 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B receptor subtypes. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | 5-10 mg PO at migraine onset; may repeat dose after 2 h prn; not to exceed 30 mg/d Oral disintegrating tab: 5-10 mg PO dissolved on tongue at migraine onset; may repeat dose after 2 h prn; not to exceed 30 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Toxicity increases when administered concomitantly with ergot-containing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, bloody diarrhea, and death may occur when administering this medication |
| Drug Name | Almotriptan (Axert) |
|---|---|
| Description | Used to treat acute migraine. Selective 5-HT1B/1D/1F receptor agonist. Results in cranial vessel constriction, inhibition of neuropeptide release, and reduced pain transmission in trigeminal pathways. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | 6.25-12.5 mg PO at onset of migraine; may repeat once, not to exceed 25 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | <18 years: Not established >18 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; hemiplegic or basilar migraine; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension |
| Interactions | Toxicity may increase when used within 24 h of ergotamines or other 5-HT agonists; coadministration with SSRIs may cause weakness, hyperreflexia, or incoordination; CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin) may increase plasma concentration and subsequent toxicity |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Decrease dose and do not exceed 12.5 mg/d in renal or hepatic impairment |
| Drug Name | Frovatriptan (Frova) |
|---|---|
| Description | Selective 5-HT1 agonist with long half-life. High affinity for 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B receptor subtypes. Has duration of action as long as 24 h with low headache recurrence rate. Useful for patients with slow-onset, prolonged migraine, such as menstrual migraine. Has long half-life (ie, 26-30 h), thus decreases recurrence of migraine within 24 h after treatment. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | 2.5 mg PO once at onset of migraine attack; may repeat at intervals of 2 h prn; not to exceed 7.5 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | <18 years: Not established >18 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; hemiplegic or basilar migraine; ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension |
| Interactions | Toxicity may increase when used within 24 h of ergotamines or other 5-HT agonists; coadministration with SSRIs may cause weakness, hyperreflexia, or incoordination |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Hypertensive crisis, coronary artery vasospasm, cardiac arrest, peripheral ischemia, bloody diarrhea, and death may occur |
| Drug Name | Eletriptan (Relpax) |
|---|---|
| Description | Selective serotonin agonist. Specifically acts at 5-HT1B/1D/1F receptors on intracranial blood vessels and sensory nerve endings to relieve pain associated with acute migraine. As of now, has had no formal approval for use in headache relief for children. However, accumulating evidence from several clinical studies indicates efficacy and safety in that population, and many child neurologists are beginning to use them in children. The decision to choose these drugs might be best reserved for consultation. |
| Adult Dose | 20-40 mg/dose PO at onset of migraine; if initial dose ineffective, may repeat dose once after 2 h; not to exceed 80 mg/d |
| Pediatric Dose | <18 years: Not established >18 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; severe hepatic impairment; age >65 y; administration within 72 h of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors |
| Interactions | Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, nelfinavir) may increase toxicity; concurrent administration with ergot-containing drugs may increase vasospastic reactions |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease may have increased risk of myocardial ischemia, infarction, or other cardiac or cerebrovascular events (5-HT1 agonists may cause coronary vasospasm) |
These agents are useful in the treatment of symptomatic nausea.
| Drug Name | Promethazine (Phenergan) |
|---|---|
| Description | Blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic receptors in brain and reduces stimuli to brainstem reticular system. Antiemetic and antihistaminic actions that alleviate nausea and vomiting and promote sleep. |
| Adult Dose | 12.5 mg PO/PR tid and 25 mg hs 25 mg IV/IM; repeat prn in 2 h; switch to PO as soon as possible |
| Pediatric Dose | <2 years: Contraindicated >2 years: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/dose PO/IV/IM q6h |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; children <2 y (incidences of death due to respiratory depression) |
| Interactions | May have additive effects when used concurrently with other CNS depressants or anticonvulsants; coadministration with epinephrine may cause hypotension |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Caution in cardiovascular disease, impaired liver function, seizures, sleep apnea, and asthma |
| Drug Name | Metoclopramide (Reglan) |
|---|---|
| Description | Metoclopramide promotes gastric emptying and has antiemetic effects, which are useful to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with migraine. |
| Adult Dose | 5-10 mg PO/IV/IM tid |
| Pediatric Dose | 0.1 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q6h prn |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; pheochromocytoma; GI hemorrhage, obstruction, or perforation; history of seizure disorders |
| Interactions | Anticholinergics may antagonize effects of metoclopramide; opiate analgesics may increase metoclopramide toxicity in CNS |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals |
| Precautions | Adverse reactions include drowsiness, diarrhea, and hypotension; caution in history of mental illness and Parkinson disease (acute dystonic reactions are more common at higher doses); caution in seizure history |
Article Last Updated: Feb 13, 2008