Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home
Not recruiting

Study on the Effects of Cilostazol on Headaches in Men and Women with Migraine Without Aura

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the effects of the medication cilostazol in individuals who experience migraine without aura. A migraine is a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. The study aims to explore how cilostazol, which is taken as a tablet, affects men and women differently when they have migraines. The trial will also involve a comparison with a placebo, which looks like the real medication but does not contain any active ingredients.

Participants in the study will be given either cilostazol or a placebo to take orally. The main goal is to observe any differences in the occurrence of migraine-like attacks between those taking cilostazol and those taking the placebo. Additionally, the study will look at differences in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as any side effects that may occur during the study period. The study will help researchers understand the role of a substance in the body called cAMP, which is thought to be involved in migraines.

The trial will take place over a period of time, with participants being monitored for up to 12 hours after taking the medication. This will allow researchers to gather information on how cilostazol affects migraine symptoms and whether there are any differences between men and women in their response to the medication. The findings from this study could provide valuable insights into the treatment of migraines and help improve the understanding of how migraines work in the body.

The research process

The trial runs in 4 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Initial visit

    Upon joining the study, you will attend an initial visit. During this visit, your eligibility will be confirmed based on criteria such as age, weight, and health status. You will be asked about your history of migraines and any other relevant medical information.

    You will receive detailed information about the study, including its purpose and what to expect. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be required to provide informed consent to participate.

  2. Step 2

    Medication administration

    You will be given a tablet containing either cilostazol or a placebo. A placebo is a tablet that looks like the real medication but does not contain any active ingredients. The purpose is to compare the effects of the actual medication with no treatment.

    The tablet is taken orally, meaning you will swallow it with water. The dosage is 100 mg of cilostazol if you receive the active medication.

  3. Step 3

    Observation period

    After taking the tablet, you will be observed for up to 12 hours. During this time, you will be monitored for any migraine-like symptoms or other side effects.

    Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked regularly, especially within the first 90 minutes after taking the tablet.

  4. Step 4

    Follow-up

    After the observation period, you may be asked to return for follow-up visits. These visits are to ensure your well-being and to gather additional information about your response to the medication.

    You will be asked to report any symptoms or side effects you experienced during the study period.

Who can join the trial?

5 criteria

  • Healthy men and women with a diagnosis of episodic migraine without aura according to the International Classification. Episodic migraine without aura means having migraine attacks that occur occasionally and do not include sensory disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots.
  • Age: 18-65 years
  • Weight: 50-100 kg
  • Safe contraception for women during the entire period of the study. This includes methods like hormonal therapies, intrauterine devices, and/or oral pills to prevent pregnancy.
  • Fluency in Danish or English

Who cannot join the trial?

9 criteria

  • Patients who are not between the ages of 18 and 65 cannot participate.
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot participate.
  • Patients with a history of heart disease cannot participate.
  • Patients who have had a stroke cannot participate.
  • Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure cannot participate. High blood pressure means the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
  • Patients who are currently using certain medications that affect blood flow cannot participate.
  • Patients with severe liver or kidney problems cannot participate. Liver and kidney are organs that help filter and clean the blood.
  • Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions cannot participate. Allergic reactions are when the body reacts strongly to something harmless, like certain foods or medicines.
  • Patients who have participated in another clinical trial within the last 30 days cannot participate.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Not recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

Cilostazol is a medication that is being studied for its effects on people who suffer from migraines without aura. It works by increasing the levels of a substance in the body called cAMP, which is involved in many cellular processes. The study aims to understand how this medication might cause headaches in people with migraines and whether there are differences in how men and women respond to it. By doing this, researchers hope to learn more about the role of cAMP in migraines and potentially find new ways to treat or prevent these headaches.

What is already known about the treatment

Cilostazol – Cilostazol is administered orally in tablet form and is currently being studied for its effects on migraines, particularly in understanding how it affects men and women differently. It is primarily used to treat certain types of circulation problems, but in this study, it is being investigated for its potential role in migraines. The medication works by increasing the levels of a molecule called cAMP inside cells, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Cilostazol is classified as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which means it blocks an enzyme that breaks down cAMP, leading to increased levels of this molecule in the body.

Investigated diseases

Migraine – Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing headaches, often on one side of the head. These headaches can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to several days and may occur with or without an aura, which is a sensory disturbance that can include visual changes or tingling sensations. The frequency and severity of migraines can vary widely among individuals. Triggers for migraines can include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and environmental factors. The condition is more common in women and can significantly impact daily activities.
Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase ITrial ID2025-521520-29-00Estimated enrolment29 patientsSponsorSyddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark)

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

Legal notice · Published by CTIN POLAND sp. z o.o., ul. rtm. Witolda Pileckiego 67/109, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland · KRS 0001111334 · REGON 528919042 · NIP 9512598637

© 2026 Clinical Trials EU – European Clinical Trials Information Network

GDPR compliance, ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified (LL-C Certification)

On this site, “treatment” means an investigational medicine being studied in a clinical trial. Its safety and efficacy for the use being studied have not yet been confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator medicine, and taking part does not guarantee any health benefit. The decision to take part is made by the doctor at the research site. This site is for information only and does not replace medical advice.

This service is not affiliated with the European Commission, the EMA, or the official CTIS system. Most information comes from publicly available international clinical-trial registries, supplemented by data from academic sites, national regulators and commercial sponsors. On this site, “treatment” and “therapy” mean a medicine being tested in a clinical trial. Its safety and effectiveness in the use being studied are not yet confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator, and taking part does not guarantee a health benefit. The doctor at the research site decides who can take part. This site provides information, not medical advice. Certain content and visual elements on this website have been generated or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).