Which medication is appropriate for abortive therapy during a migraine episode?

Oral sumatriptan is appropriate for abortive therapy during a migraine episode because it belongs to a class of medications called triptans, which are specifically designed to treat acute migraine attacks. Triptans work by agonizing serotonin receptors in the brain, effectively reducing inflammation and constricting dilated blood vessels, which alleviates headache pain. Sumatriptan is fast-acting and can provide relief from migraine symptoms within a short time frame, making it an effective option for individuals experiencing an active migraine.

In contrast, oral oxycodone is an opioid pain medication that is not typically used for migraine treatment due to concerns about dependency and its central nervous system effects. Oral propranolol is a beta-blocker primarily used as a preventive treatment for migraines rather than for abortive therapy, as it is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks over time but does not provide immediate relief. Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody that is also used for migraine prevention and is administered via injection but is not designed for immediate abortive treatment during an active migraine episode.