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.
Take Zolmitriptan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Zolmitriptan is available as a conventional tablet or orodispersible tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed without water.
Do not cut, break or crush the orodispersible tablets.
Take Zolmitriptan only when you have a migraine attack.
This medicine should be taken at the first sign of a migraine. If your migraine does not go away after taking the first dose, do not take a second dose without first asking your doctor. If your doctor says that you can take a second dose, wait for at least 2 hours from the time you took the first dose before taking 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 take 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 take Zolmitriptan with other medicines for migraine 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 elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you smoke or a chain smoker.
Zolmitriptan should not be taken 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 take 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 take 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 take Zolmitriptan with other medicines for migraine such as ergotamine, methysergide, and sumatriptan, or if you have taken these medicines in the last 24 hours.
Do not take 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. Protect from light and moisture.
The orodispersible tablet must be kept in its original foil wrapper and original container. Do not store the orodispersible tablets in any other container except its original.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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