Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is a medication used to treat acute migraine attacks. It is part of a class of drugs known as triptans, which work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation. This action helps to alleviate migraine symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It is a selective serotonin receptor agonist.

Indications

-Used for treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura.

Dosage

Initial dose is 2.5mg or less, can be repeated after 2 hours if headache persists. Not to exceed 10mg in 24 hours.

Contra-Indications

Contraindicated in hypertensive and cardiac patients. Not to be coadministered with MAO inhibitors.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy Category C midication; to be administered only after outweighting potential benefit against risk to fetus. To be used with caution in lactating women.

Side Effects

Paresthesia, asthenia, pain or tightness in chest or throat, flushing, weakness, dizziness, dyspepsia, dysphagia, nausea, somnolence, vertigo, myalgia, myasthenia, sweating. Not indicated for migraine prophylactic treatment or for basilar or hemiplegic migraine.

Drug Interactions

Ergot containing medications (dihydroergotamine or methysergide) cause prolonged vasospastic reactions. Use of Zolmitriptan along with these agents can lead to synergistic effect and use of the two types of agents within 24 hours is to be avoided. MAO inhibitors increase the systemic exposure of Zolmitriptan and it is not recommended to be administered along with MAO inhibitors. Concomitant use of Zolmitriptan along with other 5HT1B/1D agonists within 24 hours is not recommended. Zolmitriptan