NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

What is the main action of Triptans for Migraine?

1. Selective agonists for the 5-HT2 receptor

2. Cause vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels

3. Nonselective agonist of serotonin receptors

4. Selective agonist for the 5-HT1F receptor

The correct answer is: Cause vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels

Triptans are medications commonly used for the treatment of migraines. They work by causing vasoconstriction, or narrowing, of cranial blood vessels. This helps to alleviate the throbbing pain associated with migraines and can also reduce other migraine symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Option A, selective agonists for the 5-HT2 receptor, is incorrect because this is the action of another type of medication used for migraines called ergotamines. Option C, nonselective agonist of serotonin receptors, is also incorrect because while triptans do activate serotonin receptors, they are selective for specific receptor subtypes. Option D, selective agonist for the 5-HT1F receptor, is not the main action of triptans, although some newer medications in this class may have more selective targeting of this specific serotonin receptor subtype. Overall, vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels is the primary action of triptans for migraine treatment.