Key facts about Zolmitriptan
What dosages is Zolmitriptan available in?
Zolmitriptan is available as a 2.5 mg and 5 mg orally disintegrating tablet, oral tablet, and nasal spray.
What is Zolmitriptan used for?
Zolmitriptan is a triptan and is used to treat migraines.
How does Zolmitriptan work?
Zolmitriptan is a triptan. It works by attaching to certain serotonin receptors (proteins) in your brain and nervous system. These proteins react to serotonin, which is a natural chemical in your body that might play a role in migraines. When Zolmitriptan attaches to these receptors, it’s thought to help lower blood vessel swelling in the brain. It’s also thought to help stop the release of pain signals through your nerves. This helps relieve migraine pain.
How do I take Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is typically taken as a single dose at the first sign of a migraine. If the headache doesn’t go away or it comes back, you can consider taking another dose 2 hours after your previous dose. The maximum single dose is 5 mg. Don’t take more than 10 mg in a 24-hour period.
Is it safe for me to take Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if any of the following apply to you:
- History of heart disease (including chest pain or heart attack)
- Conditions that cause spasms in the heart blood vessels
- Conditions that cause an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
- History of stroke or “mini-stroke”
- History of migraines with double vision, dizziness, and movement problems or migraines with weakness on one side of the body
- Conditions affecting the blood vessels or blood supply to your body (like peripheral artery disease or ischemic bowel disease)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have taken another triptan, ergotamine-containing medication, or ergot-type medication within the past 24 hours
- Take monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)) currently or within the past 2 weeks
Zolmitriptan Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Zolmitriptan:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles feeling in the arms or legs
- Neck, throat, or jaw pain, tightness, or pressure
- Sleepiness
- Feeling warm or cold
- Body weakness
- Dry mouth
- Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness
Zolmitriptan Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Zolmitriptan. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart attack: chest or arm pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat
- Stroke: sudden weakness on one side of your body, headache, changes in your speech or vision, confusion
- Serotonin syndrome: high fever, racing heart, hallucinations, sudden changes in thought or mood, movement problems
- Allergic reaction: rash; hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Zolmitriptan
The following medications may interact with Zolmitriptan:
- If co-administered with cimetidine: Maximum single dose of 2.5 mg, not to exceed 5 mg in any 24-hour period
Who makes Zolmitriptan?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Zolmitriptan safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data, Zolmitriptan may cause fetal harm. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant. Zolmitriptan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
