Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is a prescription drug that has been approved to relieve symptoms of migraine headaches. The medication works by causing blood vessels in the head to return to their normal state after dilating during a migraine. There are a number of conditions you should let your healthcare provider know about before taking zolmitriptan, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and any allergies you may have. Side effects of zolmitriptan can include nausea, dizziness, and an unusual taste.

 

What Is Zolmitriptan?

Zolmitriptan (Zomig®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. The medicine will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
In addition to zolmitriptan tablets, zolmitriptan nasal spray and zolmitriptan orally disintegrating tablets (which dissolve in the mouth) are also available.
 
(Click What Is Zolmitriptan Used For? for more information on what zolmitriptan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Manufacturer of Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Zolmitriptan Work?

Zolmitriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Zolmitriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Zolmitriptan Effects

In previous studies, 59 percent to 67 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking zolmitriptan tablets, compared to only 16 percent to 44 percent of people who did not take zolmitriptan. Similar results were seen in studies of zolmitriptan orally disintegrating tablets and zolmitriptan nasal spray.
 
(Zolmitriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;