What is this medication for?
Zolmitriptan is used for the treatment of migraine headaches with or without
aura (warning signs that occur prior to the onset of a migraine headache).
It is not to be used for the prevention of migraine headaches. Migraine
headaches are thought to be caused by a widening of the blood vessels in the
head. Zolmitriptan belongs to a class of medications known as 5-hydroxytryptamine
agonists that relieve migraine headaches by narrowing these blood vessels.
In most people, zolmitriptan eliminates or reduces the symptoms of migraines
including headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Zomig® tablets
After a headache starts, you take one tablet of zolmitriptan (1 mg, 2.5 mg
or 5 mg). Your doctor can help determine which dose is appropriate for
you. Zolmitriptan should be taken as early as possible after the onset of a
migraine headache, but is also effective if taken at a later stage.
If the headache improves after the first dose but then returns, a second tablet
may be taken but no sooner than 2 hours after the first tablet was taken. The
maximum daily dose of zolmitriptan is 10 mg in 24 hours.
If the headache does not improve after the first dose, ask your doctor before
taking the second dose. The second dose is unlikely to be helpful if the first
dose does not work at all.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture,
and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Zolmitriptan should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to zolmitriptan or any of the components of the formulation
- has or has had heart disease (e.g., ischemic heart disease, a heart attack)
- has angina (chest pain), including Prinzmetal angina (coronary vasospasm)
- has or has had a stroke or transient ischemic attacks
- has severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- has taken ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (such as dihydroergotamine,
ergotamine, or methysergide) in the previous 24 hours
- has taken another 5-hydroxytryptamine agonist (e.g., naratriptan, sumatriptan,
rizatriptan) in the previous 24 hours
- is taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
or has taken them within the past 2 weeks
- has certain types of migraine headaches (including hemiplegic or basilar
migraine)