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Zolmitriptan

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Do not take more than 10mg of zolmitriptan in 24 hours.
Zolmitriptan should not be used in combination with other migraine treatments.

About zolmitriptan

Type of medicine	5HT1 agonist
Used for	Treatment of migraine
Also called	Zomig® Zomig® Rapimelt
Available as	Tablets Dispersible "Melt" tablets Nasal spray

It is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine. Zolmitriptan works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. This narrows the blood vessels and so relieves the pain of migraine headaches.

Before taking zolmitriptan

Before taking zolmitriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver problems.
If you suffer from high blood pressure.
If you suffer from heart or heart rhythm problems.
If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke or TIA (sometimes known as a mini-stroke).
If you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take zolmitriptan

Take zolmitriptan exactly as your doctor has told you.
Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take one dose at the onset of a migraine.
If the migraine is still there after 2 hours, a second dose may be taken.
The "melt" tablets should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve before swallowing.
The nasal spray should be used in the following way: block one nostril by pressing on it with your finger; using the other hand, insert the spray into the other nostril and squeeze the plunger to release one dose. Do not use more than two doses in 24 hours.

Getting the most from your treatment

Zolmitriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine. If you have been taking an ergotamine preparation you must leave a gap of 24 hours before taking zolmitriptan. A gap of 6 hours after taking zolmitriptan is also needed before taking ergotamine. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have been taking another 5HT1 agonist (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan or sumatriptan), you should wait at least 12 hours before taking zolmitriptan. A gap of 12 hours after taking zolmitriptan is also needed before taking another 5HT1 agonist.
If you find that zolmitriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.
Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside zolmitriptan.

Can zolmitriptan cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Dizziness, drowsiness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Tingling, feeling hot, flushing, tiredness, fast and fluttering heartbeat, headache, tightness or pressure in throat or chest, and muscle weakness	If troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store zolmitriptan

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Zomig Tablets 2.5mg,; Manufacturer's PIL, Zomig® Tablets 2.5mg, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2007, accessed November 2008.
Manufacturer's PIL, Zomig® Rapimelt 2.5mg, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2007, accessed November 2008.
Manufacturer's PIL, Zomig® 5mg Nasal Spray, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2008, accessed November 2008.
British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 1520

DocRef: dils2314

Last Reviewed: 2 Dec 2008

Version: 25

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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