[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › Ditans (5-HT1F receptor agonists)

# Ditans (5-HT1F receptor agonists)

Migraine attack medicines that stimulate the serotonin 5-HT1F receptor on trigeminal nerves without narrowing blood vessels.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## 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

## Key points

- Lasmiditan is a 5-HT1F agonist; triptans act on 5-HT1B/1D.
- No vasoconstriction: fewer cardiovascular concerns than triptans.
- It treats attacks only; it does not prevent migraine.
- It causes drowsiness and dizziness: no driving for at least 8 hours after a dose.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Lasmiditan** An oral migraine attack medicine that stimulates the 5-HT1F serotonin receptor without narrowing vessels. It causes… Serotonin 5-HT1F receptor (HTR1F)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lasmiditan/)

## 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.

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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](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N02CC) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); [RCSB PDB - 7EXD: Lasmiditan-bound serotonin 1F (5-HT1F) receptor-Gi protein complex](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/7EXD) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/ditans/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/ditans/