NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What makes Ergotamine drugs second line for migraine treatment?

  1. They are less effective than natural products

  2. They are nonselective agonists of serotonin receptors

  3. They cause significant vasoconstriction

  4. They have no serious adverse effects

The correct answer is: They are nonselective agonists of serotonin receptors

Ergotamine drugs are considered second line for migraine treatment because they are nonselective agonists of serotonin receptors. This property can lead to vasoconstriction, which can be helpful in treating migraines. However, their nonselectivity and potential for vasoconstriction mean that they are not preferred as first-line treatment options due to the risk of adverse effects such as peripheral ischemia and other vascular complications. Therefore, while they can be effective in managing migraines, their nonselective nature and potential for vasoconstriction make them a second-line choice in the treatment algorithm.