• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

ZOLMITRIPTAN (zohl mi TRIP tan) is used to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bowel disease, colitis or bloody diarrhea
• diabetes
• family history of heart disease
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• headaches that are different from your usual migraine
• heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes), or intracranial bleeding
• kidney or liver disease
• overweight
• postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries
• seizure disorder
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to zolmitriptan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medicines:

• amphetamine or cocaine
• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking zolmitriptan
• feverfew
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate - do not take zolmitriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy
• other migraine medicines like almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking zolmitriptan
• tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine
• birth control pills
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems
• propranolol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.

Last Updated: September 15, 2009