Intravenous metoclopramide in the treatment of acute migraines: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous metoclopramide for acute migraine treatment.

Materials and methods: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in an academic emergency department. After the patients were assessed for eligibility via the International Headache Society criteria for migraines, they were randomized into 10 mg intravenous metoclopramide and normal saline groups. The headache intensity was evaluated using an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) score. The primary outcome measure was determined as the median between-group change in the score at the 30th minute. The secondary outcome measures were rescue medication needs, adverse events, and emergency department (ED) revisits after discharge.

Results: A total of 148 patients were randomized into two equal groups with similar baseline characteristics, including the baseline NRS scores (8 points). The median reduction in the NRS scores at the 30th minute was 4 [interquartile range (IQR): 2-6)] in the metoclopramide group and 3 (IQR: 1-4) in the normal saline group [median difference: -1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.1 to 0.1]. No serious adverse events were observed, and the rescue medication needs were similar in both groups.

Conclusion: No difference was found between intravenous metoclopramide and placebo regarding efficacy and safety in patients with acute migraines.

Keywords: emergency department (MeSH Database); headache; metoclopramide; migraine.