triptan

noun trip·tan \ ˈtrip-ˌtan , -tən \

|Updated on: 30 Jun 2018

Definition of triptan

: any of a class of drugs (such as sumatriptan) that bind to and are agonists of serotonin receptors and are used to treat migraine attacks

Recent Examples of triptan from the Web

The first migraine-specific drugs, the triptans, were introduced in the 1990s.

— david noonan, Scientific American, "New Nerve Drugs May Finally Prevent Migraine Headaches," 1 Dec. 2015
Yet even refined, synthetic versions of ergotamine can dangerously narrow blood vessels, so doctors and patients welcomed the triptans, which selectively constrict the blood vessels of the brain.

— emily underwood, Science | AAAS, "Will antibodies finally put an end to migraines?," 18 May 2018
To treat migraines, people usually take over-the-counter NSAIDs or dedicated triptans, a class of drugs first introduced in the 1990s.

— fiza pirani, ajc, "FDA approves new drug to stop chronic migraines without side effects," 21 May 2018
This success rate is similar to that of triptans but without the risks associated with constriction of blood vessels.

— r. allan purdy, Scientific American, "Can Anything Stop My Migraine?," 1 May 2017
It is normally associated with certain medications, such as ergotamine or triptans, and illicit drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines -- not peppers.

— mark lieber, CNN, "Brain effects of 'hottest pepper in the world' put man in hospital," 9 Apr. 2018
The triptan that kept my migraines at bay for most of my life was created in 1992, the year I was born.

— katy schneider, The Cut, "My Seven-Month Migraine," 31 Jan. 2018
But there hasn’t been a new drug specifically designed for migraines since triptans.

— ilene raymond rush, Philly.com, "Migraines plague millions, especially women. Now there's new hope," 13 Dec. 2017
Data has shown that the best chance of giving migraine sufferers relief with triptans — a class of migraine-specific medications — is taking them early in the attack, before the process of allodynia becomes established, says Grosberg.

— grace gold, Allure, "Here's Why Your Hair and Scalp Hurts Sometimes," 12 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'triptan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of triptan

-triptan (as in sumatriptan

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1997

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

triptan

noun trip·tan \ ˈtrip-ˌtan , -tən \

medical Definition of triptan

: any of a class of drugs (as sumatriptan) that bind to and are agonists of serotonin receptors, that are used to treat migraine attacks, and that are thought to function by producing vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels, by inhibiting secretion of inflammatory neuropeptides, and by blocking neurotransmission of pain