Treatment Options for Acute Migraine Headache in Pregnancy
Treatment | Comments |
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First-line therapies | | Acetaminophen | Extensive evidence of its safety in pregnancy Inexpensive May be used in combination with other drugs Maximum of 4 g daily to avoid liver toxicity
| Caffeine | | Metoclopramide | | Second-line therapies | | NSAIDs/aspirin | Not used in first trimester due to possible teratogenicity Safe in second trimester Use in third trimester should be limited to 48 h or less due to possible premature ductal closure, platelet dysfunction, and oligohydramnios.
| Third-line therapies | | Opioids | Should be used for short duration because dependence can develop in the mother or fetus with high doses over long duration Can cause constipation and worsen nausea/vomiting associated with migraines No teratogenic effects associated with opioids
| Severe symptoms | | Triptans | For severe attacks that do not respond to first-line agents Studies show no association with triptans and birth defects. Use in third trimester associated with slight increased risk of uterine atony and increased blood loss at delivery
| Magnesium sulfate | | Contraindicated | | Ergotamine | |
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Abbreviations: IV, intravenous; NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.