Does Fasting Fog Your Brain or Sharpen It? The Data Might Surprise You
November 5, 2025
Brand Name :
Qulipta
Synonyms :
atogepant
Class :
CGRP Receptor Antagonists Antimigraine Agents
Dosage forms and strengths Â
TabletÂ
60mgÂ
30mgÂ
10mgÂ
Indicated for Chronic Migraine
Recommended for the prudent Treatment for chronic migraines
This medication is recommended to be taken orally at a dose of 60 mg every day, regardless of food intake
Recommended for prudent Treatment for episodic migraines
The recommended administration of this medication is through oral ingestion, with daily doses available in the strength 10 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg regardless of food intake
Safety and efficacy are not establishedÂ
Refer adult dosingÂ
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with atogepant
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with atogepant
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with atogepant
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with atogepant
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with atogepant
atogepant: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
atogepant: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the serum concentration of atogepant
may enhance the serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration
may enhance the serum concentration of OATP1/1B3 substrates
may enhance the serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of OATP1B1/1B3 (SLCO1B1/1B3) Inhibitors
may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
rifampin: they may diminish the serum concentration of atogepant
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inhibitors
CYP3A strong enhancers of the small intestine may reduce the bioavailability of atogepant
It may enhance the effect when combined with lonafarnib by affecting CYP3A4 metabolism
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with atogepant
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with atogepant
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with atogepant
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with atogepant
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with atogepant
When atogepant is used together with fluconazole, this leads to reduction in the atogepant metabolism
the serum concentration of atogepant may increase when combined with cholecystokinin
nafcillin will decrease the effect of action of atogepant by affecting enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
when both drugs combine atogepant will increase effect of ifosfamide by affecting the enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
cyclophosphamide effect of action increased by affecting enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
the effect of atogepant is decreased by lorlatinib, by altering intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
Docetaxel may increase the serum level of atogepant by affecting the enzyme CYP3A4
pexidartinib decreases the effect or level of atogepant by altering the intestinal or hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism
the serum levels of atogepant may be increased
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Action:Â
The action of atogepant involves blocking the activity of CGRP, a neuropeptide that plays a significant role in the development of migraines. CGRP is released during a migraine attack and is involved in transmitting and modulating pain signals. By inhibiting the CGRP receptor, atogepant prevents the binding of CGRP to its receptors, thus reducing the activity of CGRP and its effects.Â
Spectrum:Â
The spectrum of atogepant explicitly targets migraines and is not indicated for treating other conditions. It is intended for use in adults who experience migraines, and its effectiveness in other types of headaches or pain disorders has not been established.Â
Frequency defined Â
1-10%Â
10-mg doseÂ
Dizziness (2%)Â
Decreased appetite (2%)Â
Decreased weight (3.8%)Â
Fatigue/somnolence (4%)Â
Nausea (5%)Â
Constipation (6%)Â
30-mg doseÂ
Decreased appetite (1%)Â
Dizziness (2%)Â
Decreased weight (3.2%)Â
Fatigue/somnolence (4%)Â
Nausea (6%)Â
Constipation (6%)Â
60-mg doseÂ
Dizziness (3%)Â
Decreased appetite (3%)Â
Fatigue/somnolence (5%)Â
Decreased weight (5.3%)Â
Nausea (8%)Â
Constipation (9%)Â
<1%Â
Liver transaminases elevated >3x ULN (0.9%)Â
Â
Black Box Warning:Â Â
None
Contraindication/Caution:Â Â
Hypersensitivity: atogepant should not be used in individuals who have known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or any of its components. If you have a history of allergic reactions to atogepant or any other medications, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider.Â
Severe liver impairment: atogepant is metabolized in the liver, so individuals with severe liver impairment may have an increased risk of adverse effects. The use of atogepant in patients with severe liver dysfunction may not be recommended or may require careful monitoring.Â
Severe renal impairment: atogepant is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, individuals with severe renal impairment may experience a slower clearance of the drug, potentially leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. The use of atogepant in patients with severe renal dysfunction may need to be adjusted or monitored closely.Â
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: The safety of atogepant during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established When considering pregnancy, intending to conceive, or currently breastfeeding, it is crucial to engage in a conversation with a healthcare provider regarding the possible advantages and disadvantages.Â
Drug interactions: atogepant may interact with other medications, such as certain liver enzyme inhibitors or inducers. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.Â
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
Pregnancy category: N/AÂ
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknownÂ
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.  Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology:Â Â
atogepant is a medication that falls under the class of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â Â
atogepant works by blocking the activity of the CGRP receptor, which is involved in the transmission of pain signals and dilation of blood vessels. By inhibiting the CGRP receptor, atogepant helps to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.  Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
Drug is well-absorbed after oral administration. It reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1 to 3 hours.Â
DistributionÂ
It has moderate plasma protein binding (approximately 73%), and its volume of distribution is about 60 liters.Â
MetabolismÂ
atogepant undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver, primarily through cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. Â
Excretion and EliminationÂ
The elimination half-life of atogepant is approximately 6 to 9 hours. It is primarily eliminated through feces (70%) and to a lesser extent through urine (20%).Â
Administration: Â
The recommended dosage of atogepant may vary depending on individual factors and the prescribing physician’s instructions. Typically, it is taken orally as a tablet.Â
Timing: atogepant is usually taken once daily, with or without food. It’s essential to follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: atogepantÂ
Why do we use atogepant? Â
Migraine prevention: atogepant is prescribed to prevent migraine attacks in individuals who experience frequent or chronic migraines. It works by blocking the CGRP receptors, which are involved in the development of migraines. Â
Acute migraine treatment: Besides its preventive properties, the atogepant has also shown efficacy in treating migraines. It can be used to alleviate the symptoms of an ongoing migraine attack, providing relief from pain, nausea, and other associated symptoms.Â
Chronic migraine management: By taking atogepant regularly, patients may experience a reduction in headache days, leading to improved quality of life.Â
Reduced side effects: Compared to other migraine medications, such as triptans, atogepant has demonstrated a lower risk of certain side effects like cardiovascular events, muscle weakness, and medication overuse headaches. This makes drug a potentially favorable option for individuals who cannot tolerate or have contraindications for other migraine medications.Â
Long-term treatment: atogepant is suitable for long-term use, allowing patients to maintain its beneficial effects over an extended period. This is particularly valuable for individuals with chronic migraines who require ongoing management and prevention strategies.Â