The triptans
| Triptan | Peak serum concentration | Half-life | Usual dose (maximum daily dose) | Cost (per tablet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almotriptan | 1.5–2 h | 3.5 h | 12.5 mg (25 mg) | 3.0 GBP (12.5 mg) |
| Eletriptan | 1.5–2 h | 4 h | 40 mg (80 mg) | 3.8 GBP (40 mg) |
| Frovatriptan | 2–4 h | 26 h | 2.5 mg (5 mg) | 2.8 GBP (2.5 mg) |
| Naratriptan | 2–3 h | 6 h | 2.5 mg (5 mg) | 3.8 GBP (2.5 mg) |
| Rizatriptan | 1–1.5 h | 2 h | 10 mg (20 mg)—same recommendation for rizatriptan melt | 4.5 GBP (5 mg) |
| Sumatriptan | 2–3 h | 2 h | 50–100 mg (300 mg) | 0.3 GBP (50 mg) |
| Sumatriptan subcutaneous | 12 min | 1.9 h | 6 mg (12 mg) | 21.2 GBP (per injection) |
| Sumatriptan intranasal | 1–1.5 h | 2 h | 10–20 mg (40 mg) | 5.9 GBP (per dose) |
| Zolmitriptan | 1–1.5 h | 2.5 h | 2.5–5 mg (10 mg) | 3.8 GBP (2.5 mg) |
| Zolmitriptan intranasal | 15 min | 3 h | 5 mg into one nostril, once (10 mg) | 11.0 GBP (per spray) |
Drugs listed alphabetically. All doses apply to the oral route, except where otherwise specified.
GBP, pounds sterling.