Abstract

In spite of great effort to make sure the pathogenesis of migraine, it is still remains an enigma, which is reflected by the several number of drugs are used or have been used to treat or prevent migraine attacks. The most important progress in the treatment of migraine in the last decade is the introduction of triptans to abort the acute attack of migraine. However, only about 50% to 60% of patients consis- tently respond to this type of medication. Therefore prophylactic treatments are needed in the patients with inadequate effect of acute treatment and if patients experience 2 or more migraine attacks per month. The prophylactic agents available today have been introduced serendipitously at the beginning and antihypertensive agents are among them. This review focuses on the antihypertensive agents including receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker for the prevention of migraine. Korean Journal of Headache 6(1):40-46, 2005