Ditane

Ditans, selective 5-HT₁F receptor agonists, are a new class of specific migraine medications that have been developed as an alternative to triptans, especially for patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Ditans can be used in CHD, hypertension, vascular risk patients and patients with triptan contraindications. Ditans act neuronally, not vascularly.

Currently clinically relevant: Lasmiditan, the first approved substance from this group of active substances, belongs structurally to the arylpiperidine derivatives.

Like triptans, Lasmiditan has a vasoconstrictive effect on the blood vessels in the brain. However, it binds selectively to the 5-HT1F receptor and therefore does not cause vasoconstriction in the periphery. In contrast, triptans bind as agonists to the 5-HT1B/5-HT1D subtypes and cause vasoconstriction in the blood vessels in the brain as well as in the peripheral blood vessels.

The most commonly reported adverse events that occurred in the controlled clinical trials were drowsiness, somnolence, fatigue, paraesthesia, nausea, dizziness, hypoesthesia and muscle weakness. Most adverse events were dose-related. There is an inability to drive (about 8 h).

Lasmiditan, the first approved substance from this group of active substances, belongs structurally to the: arylpiperidine derivatives.