Ditans (5-HT1F receptor agonists)
Migraine attack medicines that stimulate the serotonin 5-HT1F receptor on trigeminal nerves without narrowing blood vessels.
What they are
Ditans are selective agonists of the serotonin 5-HT1F receptor. Lasmiditan is the only member in clinical use. They treat migraine attacks and were developed as an option for people in whom the vessel-narrowing effect of triptans is a concern.
Mechanism of action
Stimulating 5-HT1F receptors on trigeminal neurons reduces the release of pain and inflammatory signals around dural vessels. Unlike triptans, which act on 5-HT1B/1D receptors, ditans have very low affinity for the receptors that constrict vessels.
Target: The serotonin 5-HT1F receptor on trigeminal nerves
Drugs in this class
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which serotonin receptor do ditans stimulate?
The 5-HT1F receptor.
How do ditans differ from triptans?
They do not constrict blood vessels, because they spare the 5-HT1B receptor.
Which ditan is in clinical use?
Lasmiditan.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); RCSB PDB - 7EXD: Lasmiditan-bound serotonin 1F (5-HT1F) receptor-Gi protein complex (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.