Return to Common Drugs Index
zolmitriptan
Zomig

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Tablets (immediate-release):
2.5 mg, 5 mg

Action
Selective serotonin receptor agonist that can abort migraine headaches by causing constriction of cranial blood vessels and inhibition of proinflammatory neuropeptide release.

Indications & dosage
Acute migraine headaches--

Adults:
initially, 2.5 mg or lower P.O. increased to 5 mg per dose, p.r.n. If headache returns after initial dose, second dose may be administered after 2 hours. Maximum dose is 10 mg in 24-hour period.
Adjust-a-dose:
For patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, use a lower dose.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
somnolence, vertigo, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, asthenia, dizziness, syncope.
CV:
pain or heaviness in chest; arrhythmias; hypertension; pain, tightness, or pressure in the neck, throat, or jaw.
GI:
dyspepsia, dysphagia, nausea.
Metabolic:
hyperglycemia.
Musculoskeletal:
myalgia.
Other:
warm or cold sensations.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Cimetidine: doubles half-life of zolmitriptan. Monitor patient.
Ergot-containing drugs:
may cause additive vasospastic reactions. Avoid concomitant use.
Fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline:
may cause weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination. Use cautiously.
MAO inhibitors:
increased effects of drug. Avoid concomitant use.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with ischemic heart disease or other significant heart disease (including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), or uncontrolled hypertension. Don't give within 24 hours of
ergot-containing drugs or within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAO inhibitor therapy.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index