What is Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is a triptan medication used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura and cluster headaches. It is sold under the brand name Zomig, among others. Zolmitriptan works as a selective agonist of serotonin receptors in the 1B and 1D subtypes.
Zolmitriptan Uses
Zolmitriptan is used to prevent migraines. It helps alleviate symptoms such as headache, pain, and other migraine-related symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity). Prompt therapy with Zolmitriptan can help you return to your daily routine and minimize your need for other pain medications. Zolmitriptan belongs to a family of pharmaceutical products called triptans. It narrows blood vessels in the brain by affecting a certain natural compound (serotonin) and can also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain. Zolmitriptan does not prevent future migraines or reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
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How to Take Zolmitriptan
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting zolmitriptan and whenever you get a refill.
- Take this drug by mouth at the first sign of a migraine, with or without food, as instructed by your doctor.
- The dosage is dependent on your medical condition, response to medication, and other medicines you may be taking.
- Inform your doctor of all medications you use, including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, and herbal products.
- Do not take more doses if your symptoms do not change without consulting your doctor.
- You can take another dose at least two hours after the first dose if your symptoms are only slightly relieved or if your headache returns.
- Do not take more than 10 milligrams within a 24-hour period. Certain patients may be advised to take no more than 5 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
- Your doctor may perform a heart test before you start taking zolmitriptan if you are at a higher risk for heart problems.
- If you take migraine attack medications for 10 or more days per month, the drugs may worsen the headaches (medication overuse headache). Do not use narcotics more frequently or for longer than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you need to take this drug more often, if the medicine does not work well, or if your headaches are getting worse.
Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray
- For inhalation through the nose, zolmitriptan comes as a spray and is typically used at the first symptom of a migraine headache.
- You may use a second dose if your symptoms improve but return after 2 hours or longer.
- If symptoms do not improve after using zolmitriptan, do not take a second dose without talking to your doctor.
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Steps to Use the Nasal Spray
- Read all the manufacturer's directions before using the nasal spray.
- Gently blow your nose.
- Remove the sprayer's protective cover.
- Hold the sprayer between your fingertips and thumb, being careful not to click the plunger.
- Use the other hand to cover one nostril by pressing tightly on the side of your nose.
- Insert the tip of the sprayer into your other nostril until comfortable and tilt your head back slightly. Do not click the plunger or spray your eyes with the drug.
- Breathe in softly through your nose and press the plunger firmly with your thumb simultaneously.
- Keep your head tilted back slightly and remove the sprayer from your nose.
- Breathe softly through your mouth for 5-10 seconds. It is normal to feel liquid in your nose or at the back of your throat.
- Each sprayer contains one dose of medicine.
Zolmitriptan Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Tingling/numbness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
Severe Side Effects
- Blue fingers/toes/nails
- Cold hands/feet
- Chest/jaw/neck tightness or discomfort
- Heart attack symptoms (chest pain, pain in the chest/jaw/left arm, shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
- Rapid/irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
- Extreme stomach/abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Stroke symptoms (weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion)
- Serotonin syndrome/toxicity symptoms (rapid pulse, hallucinations, lack of balance, severe nausea/vomiting/dizziness, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness)
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe side effects.
Precautions
- Serious allergic reactions to this medication are rare but possible. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to zolmitriptan or have any other allergies.
- Certain factors can increase your risk for heart attacks. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, history of heart disease in the family, overweight, smoking, postmenopausal (female), or over 40 years of age (men).
- Zolmitriptan can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which may be worsened by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Avoid driving, using tools, or engaging in activities requiring caution until you can do so safely. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Discuss with your doctor if you use marijuana (cannabis).
- Inform your doctor or dentist of all medications you use before surgery (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).
- Older adults may be more vulnerable to side effects, especially elevated blood pressure and heart attacks.
- Use this drug during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unclear whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Drug interactions can change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Keep a list of all products you use and show it to your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without your doctor's approval.
- A significant (possibly fatal) drug interaction can occur with MAO inhibitors. Do not take MAO inhibitors during treatment with this drug.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any drugs that increase serotonin, such as St. John's wort, some antidepressants (including SSRIs and SNRIs), and others.
- You may need to separate your dose of zolmitriptan from other 'triptan' medications to minimize the risk of severe side effects.
Overdose
If overdosed, this drug can be harmful. Seek immediate medical attention if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.
Missed Dose
If you use this product daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze it.
- Do not flush medications down the sink or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly dispose of this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information on how to safely dispose of your product.
Zolmitriptan vs Sumatriptan
