Zolmitriptan

Description

Zolmitriptan is a triptan used to treat a migraine attack once the headache has started. It does not prevent attacks and is not a general painkiller. It comes as standard tablets and as orodispersible tablets in 2.5mg and 5mg. The orodispersible tablet is placed on the tongue, where it dissolves and is swallowed without a drink, which can suit people who feel sick during an attack, though it is not absorbed any faster.

Take a dose as soon as the headache begins. A second dose may be taken only if the migraine returns after an initial response, and there is a limit on how much can be taken in 24 hours. Zolmitriptan is not suitable if you have coronary heart disease, coronary artery spasm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Tell your prescriber if you take cimetidine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant.

• Triptan for treating a migraine attack, not for preventing one
• Standard and orodispersible tablets in 2.5mg and 5mg
• Orodispersible tablets dissolve on the tongue without water
• Take as soon as the migraine headache starts
• Not suitable with coronary heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Frequent use can cause medication-overuse headache