No difference between intravenous metoclopramide and placebo concerning the safety and efficacy in acute migraine patients, observed as explained in a randomized, placebo‐controlled study published in 'Acta Neurologica Scandinavica'.

This study focused on examining the efficacy and safety of intravenous metoclopramide for acute migraine treatment.

A double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial was executed in an academic emergency department. The patients were randomized into intravenous metoclopramide 10 mg and normal saline groups after being evaluated for eligibility via the International Headache Society criteria for migraines. An 11‐point numeric rating scale (NRS) score was used to assess the headache intensity. The median between‐group change in the score at the 30th minute helped determine the primary outcome measure. Adverse events, rescue medication needs and emergency department (ED) revisits after the discharge comprised of secondary outcome measures.

Total of 148 patients was randomized into two equal groups with similar baseline characteristics, comprising 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) as observed in the usual saline group. There were no serious adverse events and rescue medication needs were similar in both groups.