The objective of this randomized, double blind study is to demonstrate that one dose oral "excedrin migraine" (acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine) is not inferior when compared to one dose of intravenous prochlorperazine for the treatment of acute migraine headaches in the emergency department.
Patients with severe headaches often come to the emergency department seeking relief from their symptoms. There is some dating suggesting that over the counter treatment options are not inferior to treatment options offered in emergency departments. Patients presenting to the Einstein Emergency Department with IHS criteria for migraine headache will be approached by research associate and offered to participate in a randomized double blind study comparing excedrin migraine to compazine. Patients will be randomized by the hospital pharmacy. The pharmacy will distribute one of two packets, one containing prochlorperazine 10mg and 2 placebo tablets, the other containing 2 generic AAC tablets without scoring (acetaminophen 250mg, aspirin 250mg and caffeine 65mg in each tablet) and a placebo syringe. Patients will be monitored for improvement of pain, change in vital signs, and adverse events for two hours after receiving drugs. At 24 hours, the patients will be called back to access if they experienced any side effects from the time of discharge, and if they would take this medicine again if they experienced another migraine.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
93
One time dose of 2 pills each containing acetaminophen 250mg, aspirin 250mg and caffeine 65mg in each tablet. Simultaneous administration of placebo(5ml of saline administered IV)
One time dose of Prochlorperazine 10mg/2ml given IV slow push. Simultaneous administration of 2 unmarked placebo pills.
Albert Einstein Medical Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Mean Difference From Baseline of VAS Pain Scores
0 Participants analyzed. PI has left the institution. Efforts made to contact were unsuccessful. No data available
Time frame: 60 minutes from drug administration
Number of Reported Adverse Side-effects
Secondary endpoints will also be assessed at 30min, 90min and 120min. Additional secondary endpoints will be in the number of reported adverse side-effects, defined as muscle spasm, tiredness, extreme restlessness, GI upset, vomiting in the ED and treatment failure rate.
Time frame: 30, 90, and 120 minutes from drug administration
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