PMC full text: Paediatr Child Health. 2009 Jan; 14(1): 24–30.

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TABLE 4
Pharmacological treatment options for headaches in childhood

Acute abortive medications Paediatric dosage Evidence

Ibuprofen 10 mg/kg/dose Class I

Acetaminophen 10–15 mg/kg/dose Class I

Nasal sumatriptan 5 or 20 mg dose Class I

Prophylactic medications Paediatric dosage Evidence

Flunarizine* 5 mg/day Class I

Propranolol 2–4 mg/kg/day Class II (conflicting results)

Cyproheptadine 0.25–1.5 mg/kg Class IV

Amitriptyline 10–25 mg/day at bedtime Class IV

Topiramate 1–10 mg/kg/day Class IV

Valproate 20–40 mg/kg/day Class IV

Gabapentin 10–40 mg/kg/day Class IV

*Not available in the United States