Zomig

Common Name: zolmitriptan

How does Zomig work?

Zolmitriptan is used for the treatment of migraines with or without aura (warning signs that occur prior to the onset of a migraine). It is not to be used for the prevention of migraine. Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by a widening of the blood vessels in the head. Zolmitriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-hydroxytryptamine agonists that relieve migraine headaches by narrowing these blood vessels In most patients, zolmitriptan eliminates or reduces the symptoms of migraine including headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Zomig?

The minimal effective single adult dose is 1 mg. The recommended single adult dose is 2.5 mg. If the migraine headache returns, the dose may be repeated after 2 hours. A total dose of 10 mg should not be exceeded in any 24-hour period. If a dose has not helped a headache, do not take a second dose without first consulting a doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Zolmitriptan tablets (Zomig®) tablets should be taken whole with water at the first sign of a migraine headache, but they can be taken at any time during a migraine headache. You may also split the tablets in half if your doctor has recommended that you do this to get a lower dose. Zolmitriptan dispersible tablets (Zomig Rapimelt®) should be used as follows: Peel the blister pack open as shown on the foil (do not push the tablets through the foil). Place the tablet on the tongue, where it will dissolve with your saliva. Because this tablet is dispersable, you do not need to take it with water. Do not split the tablet in half. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed.

What form(s) does Zomig come in?

Each yellow, round, film-coated tablet, marked "Z" on one side, contains zolmitriptan 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include anhydrous lactose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

What should I NOT take with Zomig?

Zolmitriptan should not be used by anyone who; is allergic to zolmitriptan or any of the components of the formulation has heart disease (e.g., heart valve disease, ischemic heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart disease) has angina (chest pain), including Prinzmetal angina (coronary vasospasm) has blood vessel disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease, Raynaud's syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)) has had a heart attack has severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure has taken ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide) in the previous 24 hours has taken another 5-hydroxytryptamine agonist (i.e., naratriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan) in the previous 24 hours is taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken them within the past 2 weeks has certain types of migraine headaches (including hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine) has severely reduced kidney function has severely reduced liver function does not have a clear diagnosis of migraine

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Zomig?

Headache type: Zolmitriptan should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine headache. Allergic reactions: Rare, severe allergic reactions to zolmitriptan may occur. Because of the possibility of allergic reaction, people who are allergic to any of the other drugs of this class (5-hydroxytryptamine agonists) should not use zolmitriptan. Medications containing ergotamine: 24 hours should elapse before zolmitriptan can be taken following any ergotamine-containing preparation. Ergotamine-containing preparations should not be taken until 6 hours after taking zolmitriptan. Blood pressure: Zolmitriptan may cause increases in blood pressure. People with high blood pressure that is severe or not under control should not take zolmitriptan. Occupational hazards: Drowsiness may occur as a result of treatment with zolmitriptan. Do not perform skilled tasks (e.g., driving or operating machinery) if drowsiness occurs. Seizures: Since there have been rare reports of seizures occurring, zolmitriptan should be used with caution by those with a history of epilepsy or medical conditions that increase their risk of seizures. Pregnancy: Zolmitriptan has not been adequately studied for use by pregnant women. Its use should be considered only if potential benefits to the mother outweigh potential risks to the unborn child as assessed by the doctor. Breast-feeding: It is not known if zolmitriptan is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when this drug is taken by nursing women. Children (less than 18 years): The safety and effectiveness of zolmitriptan for children have not been established and its use by this age group is not recommended. Seniors: Use of zolmitriptan by people over the age of 65 years is not recommended.