Zolmitriptan medication belong to Analgesic/Migraine class. Zolmitriptan selective agonist for the vascular serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype, causing vasoconstriction of cranial arteries and inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide release. Zolmitriptan is used in the short-term treatment of migraine attacks with/without aura.



How to Take Zolmitriptan

Take Zolmitriptan exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Zolmitriptan is generally available in market in the form Powder for injection 4.264 mg.

Dosage Instructions for Zolmitriptan Drug

Ischemic heart disease or in patients with Prinzmetal angina; symptoms consistent with possible ischemic heart disease; uncontrolled hypertension; symptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; use within 24 hr of treatment with another 5-HT agonist or an ergotamine-containing or ergot-like medication; coadministration of, or within 2 wk of discontinuation of, an MAO inhibitor, management of hemiplegic or basilar migraines.

Interactions of Zolmitriptan with other drugs

5-HT 1 agonists (eg, sumatriptan): Avoid use within 24 hr of each other.

Cimetidine: Zolmitriptan levels and t ? may be increased.

Ergot-containing or ergot-type drugs (eg, methysergide): May cause additive prolonged vasospastic reactions. Avoid use within 24 hr of each other.

MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine): Do not use zolmitriptan concurrently or within 2 wk of discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine): Combined use may cause weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination.

Sibutramine: Serotonin syndrome, including CNS irritability, motor weakness, shivering, myoclonus, and altered consciousness, may occur.

What are the Side Effects of Zolmitriptan -

Like other medicines, Zolmitriptan can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Zolmitriptan include

* Palpitations; coronary artery vasospasm, transient myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, MI (postmarketing).

* Paresthesia, dizziness, somnolence, vertigo, hyperesthesia (at least 2%); headache (postmarketing).

* Unusual taste (21% intranasal); dry mouth, dyspepsia, dysphagia, nausea (at least 2%); ischemic colitis, GI infarction or necrosis (postmarketing).

* Asthenia, pain, chest/throat/neck pain, tightness, or heaviness, warm or cold sensations, sweating (at least 2%).

Warnings and precautions before taking Zolmitriptan :

* Explain that drug is to be used only during migraine and does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks. Emphasize that the drug is used only to treat actual migraine attack and should not be used to prevent headaches or treat headaches caused by other conditions.

* Advise patient before taking Zolmitriptan that drug is to be taken as soon as symptoms of migraine appear. A second dose may be taken if symptoms return, but no sooner than 2 hr following the first dose. For a given attack, if there is no response to the first tablet, do not take a second dose without first consulting with health care provider.

* Advise patient before taking Zolmitriptan not to take more than 10 mg per day.

* Advise patient that safety of treating more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period with nasal spray (or 3 headaches in a 30-day period with tablets) has not been established and to inform health care provider if headaches are occurring more frequently.

* Advise patient before taking Zolmitriptan to immediately notify health care provider if any of the following occur after taking a dose of sumatriptan: severe chest pain or chest pain that does not go away; sudden and/or severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips.

* Advise patient that if tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in chest, throat, neck, or jaw occurs when using sumatriptan, to discuss these symptoms with health care provider before using again.

* Advise patient to notify health care provider if feelings of tingling, heat, flushing, tiredness, dizziness, heaviness, or pressure occur after treatment.

* Advise patient before taking Zolmitriptan that drug may cause fatigue or dizziness and to use caution while driving or performing other activities requiring mental alertness.

* Advise patient before taking Zolmitriptan to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight or tanning lamps and to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid photosensitivity reactions.

* Instruct patient to continue taking prescribed migraine prophylactic medications daily as directed.

* Advise patient not currently taking a migraine prophylactic drug to discuss the use of such drugs with health care provider.

* Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

* Warn patient before taking Zolmitriptan not to take any prescription or OTC drugs, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations without consulting health care provider.

* Caution patient before taking Zolmitriptan to inform the health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What if Overdose of Zolmitriptan ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Zolmitriptan , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia are may be the overdose symptoms of Zolmitriptan .

What if Missed Dose of Zolmitriptan ?

If you miss a dose of Zolmitriptan medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Zolmitriptan :

Store Zolmitriptan tablets, orally-disintegrating tablets, and nasal spray at controlled room temperature (68? to 77'F). Protect from light and moisture.