Zolmitriptan is used to treat migraine headaches (severe throbbing or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
It helps relieve pain and other symptoms of a migraine attack.
Use Zolmitriptan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Zolmitriptan nasal spray comes in a ready-to-use spray unit, which works only once and contains only one dose. Do not test the spray or press the plunger until you have put the tip into your nostril or you will lose the dose.
To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:
- Before using the spray, blow your nose gently to clean your nostrils.
- Remove the protective cover.
- Close one nostril with your finger. Hold the nasal spray straight and upright, with your thumb supporting the container at the bottom and your fingers on each side of the nozzle. Do not press the plunger yet.
- Place the nozzle of the spray into the other nostril as far as it feels comfortable and tilt your head back slightly. While breathing in gently through your nose with your mouth closed, press the plunger firmly with your thumb. The plunger may feel stiff and you may hear it click.
- Remove the nozzle from your nose and keep your head slightly tilted back. Gently breathe through your mouth for 5-10 seconds.
- Discard the used nasal spray.
Make sure you know how to use your nasal spray. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not share your nasal spray with others as it could spread infection.
Use Zolmitriptan only when you have a migraine attack.
Zolmitriptan should be used at the first sign of a migraine. If your migraine does not go away after the first dose, do not use a second dose without first asking your doctor. If your doctor says that you can use a second dose, wait for at least 2 hours from the time you administered the first dose before using the second dose.
Inform your doctor if this medicine does not give you any relief.
The dose of Zolmitriptan will be decided by your doctor.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. chest pain, history of heart attack, narrowing of the blood vessel of the heart, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- history of stroke
- uncontrolled or moderate to severe high blood pressure
- peripheral vascular disease (narrowing or blockage of arteries outside of the heart and brain causing poor circulation of blood to the arms and legs)
- certain types of headache known as hemiplegic or basilar migraines
- ischaemic bowel disease (decreased blood flow to the bowel)
as Zolmitriptan may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Do not use Zolmitriptan with other medicines for migraines such as ergotamine, methysergide, and sumatriptan, or if you have taken these medicines in the last 24 hours.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- controlled high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels in the blood
- diabetes
- undiagnosed headache
- family history of coronary artery disease (disorder of the blood vessels of the heart)
- moderate to severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have gone through menopause.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Zolmitriptan to the children or elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you smoke or a chain smoker.
Zolmitriptan should not be used to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks.
Your doctor may need to do a medical examination and various tests before starting you on this medicine.
If you have an increased risk of heart disease, your doctor may advise you to use your first dose of Zolmitriptan in the clinic so that he can monitor your response. You will also be required to have regular heart check-ups while being treated with this medicine.
Zolmitriptan is not a painkiller. Do not use this medicine for any other purpose other than to relieve a migraine headache.
Zolmitriptan may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, sleepiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and muscle weakness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- tightness, pain, pressure or heaviness in the chest area, throat or jaw; irregular heartbeat
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- severe or sudden stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Zolmitriptan with other medicines for migraine such as ergotamine, methysergide, or sumatriptan, or if you have taken these medicines in the last 24 hours.
Do not use this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for depression e.g. moclobemide, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin
- cimetidine (medicine used for reducing stomach acid)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zolmitriptan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Certain types of food and food additives such as chocolate, cheese, coffee and monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger a migraine attack. You may want to keep a food diary to help you identify possible foods that trigger off your attacks.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
