Candesartan shows promise as first-line treatment for migraine

Use of candesartan is both safe and effective, showing promise in the prevention of migraine headaches, suggests a study in the Philippines.

A group of researchers conducted a scoping review of literature on the efficacy and safety of candesartan in migraine treatment. The study was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Reviews guidelines.

Thirty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled data showed promising results with candesartan for migraine prevention, especially among individuals with comorbid conditions such as hypertension.

Candesartan works by modulating the central pain pathway and vascular functions. Clinical studies noted its efficacy in reducing headache days, migraine hours, and related disability. These results are consistent with those of established migraine treatments such as beta-blockers.

In addition, candesartan has a favourable cost profile, good tolerability, and requires once-daily dosing, making it a potential first-line treatment option.

“Candesartan offers a promising addition as an effective and safe option for migraine treatment, but further research is necessary,” the researchers said. “Future studies should focus on its use for acute attacks, dose-response relationships, long-term safety, and cost-effectiveness.”

A prevalent and debilitating disorder, migraine is the third leading cause of global disability. Candesartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocker that has shown potential in managing migraine headaches.