Zomig (zolmitriptan) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat migraine headaches. The drug comes in different forms, including a nasal spray. It’s usually used at the onset of a migraine episode.

For treating migraine headaches, doctors may prescribe Zomig to adults and certain children.

This drug comes in three forms:

  • a tablet that you swallow
  • a tablet that dissolves in your mouth (called Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets)
  • a spray that you use in your nose

The active ingredient in Zomig is zolmitriptan. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Zomig belongs to a group of drugs called triptans.

This article describes the dosages of Zomig, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Zomig, see this in-depth article.

This section covers common dosage and administration information for Zomig. Before you start this medication, your doctor will discuss dosage instructions specific to your needs.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Zomig’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more details. And please keep in mind that this article covers Zomig’s standard dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.

Zomig tabletsZomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tabletsZomig nasal spray
Recommended starting dosage1.25 or 2.5 milligrams (mg) taken as a single dose2.5 mg taken as a single dose2.5 mg taken as a single dose

What are the forms of Zomig?

Zomig comes in three dosage forms:

  • Zomig tablets, which you swallow
  • Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets, which you dissolve on your tongue
  • Zomig nasal spray, which you spray in your nose

What strengths does Zomig come in?

Zomig tablets, Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets, and Zomig nasal spray come in two strengths:

  • 2.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 5 mg

What are the usual dosages of Zomig?

Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dosage of Zomig. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The following are the recommended starting dosages for Zomig:

  • Zomig tablet dosage: 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg as needed
  • Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablet dosage: 2.5 mg as needed
  • Zomig nasal spray dosage: 2.5 mg as needed

You’ll take Zomig as a single dose when you feel a migraine episode happening. If after 2 hours your migraine headache is not relieved or it returns, you may take a second dose.

The maximum dose for all forms of Zomig is 5 mg per single dose and 10 mg total in 24 hours.

It’s not known if it’s safe to take either kind of Zomig tablet for more than an average of three migraine episodes per month. It’s also not known if it’s safe to use Zomig nasal spray for more than four migraine episodes per month.

What’s the dosage of Zomig for children?

Zomig nasal spray may be used to treat migraine episodes in children ages 12 years and older.

The recommended starting dosage for children is 2.5 mg taken as needed. If your child is prescribed Zomig, they’ll take it as a single dose when they feel a migraine episode happening. If after 2 hours their migraine headache is not relieved or it returns, they may take a second dose.

The maximum dose for Zomig nasal spray in children is 5 mg per single dose and 10 mg total per 24 hours.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Zomig nasal spray for more than an average of four migraine episodes per month.

Is Zomig used long term?

If you and your doctor determine that Zomig is safe and effective for you, they’ll likely prescribe it long term. But you’ll only take it when a migraine episode occurs. They’ll let you know how many days per month you can take Zomig.

Dosage adjustments

Depending on how well your liver is working, you may need a Zomig dose reduction. If you have certain kinds of liver issues, your doctor may not prescribe Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets or Zomig nasal spray.

The dosage of Zomig you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of your migraine episodes
  • your age
  • the form of Zomig you’re using
  • other medications you take
  • other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Zomig’s dosage?”)

You’ll take your Zomig dosage at the start of a migraine episode. You may take a second dose 2 hours after your first dose if:

  • your migraine headache hasn’t gone away, or
  • your migraine headache comes back after it has gone away

Note that you’ll take Zomig only when you’re having a migraine episode. You won’t take this drug every day.

Below are instructions on how to take each form of Zomig. For more information about taking this drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

For information on Zomig expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

How to take Zomig tablets

To take Zomig tablets, you can swallow them whole with water.

If your dose of Zomig is 1.25 mg, take half of a 2.5-mg tablet. Each of these tablets has a line scored down the middle that you can use to cut or break the tablet in half.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

How to take Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets

To take Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets, follow these instructions:

  1. Keep the tablet in the blister pack until you’re ready for your dose.
  2. Remove a tablet from the blister pack and place the whole tablet on your tongue. Do not cut Zomig-ZMT tablets.
  3. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth, and then swallow.
  4. Safely throw away the packaging.

How to use Zomig nasal spray

The following instructions explain how to use Zomig nasal spray. There is only one dose in each container of Zomig nasal spray. So avoid pressing the plunger until you’re ready for your dose.

  1. Gently blow your nose before using the nasal spray.
  2. Remove the nasal spray container from its packaging, and take the protective cap off.
  3. Keeping your head upright, close one nostril with your index finger and breathe out through your mouth.
  4. Hold the container with your other hand so that the bottom, which serves as a plunger, rests on your thumb. The nozzle should be between your index and middle fingers.
  5. Insert the tip of the nozzle into your open nostril as far as is comfortable.
  6. Slightly tilt your head back.
  7. Breathe in through your nose while firmly pressing the plunger with your thumb.
  8. Keep your head tilted back and remove the nozzle from your nose.
  9. Breathe gently through your mouth for a few seconds. You may feel liquid in your nose or your throat. This is fine.
  10. Safely throw away the nasal spray container.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

  • have large print or use braille
  • feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication blister packs, let your pharmacist know. They may have some tips that can help make it simpler to open this packaging.

Do not use more Zomig than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Zomig tablets for more than three migraine episodes in a 30-day period. It’s also not known whether it’s safe to use Zomig nasal spray for more than four migraine episodes in 30 days.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by a Zomig overdose can include sleepiness.

What to do in case you take too much Zomig

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Zomig. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

It’s not known whether Zomig causes drug dependence. This is when your body develops a physical need for the drug. But using too much Zomig over a short period may cause medication overuse headache.

You may be experiencing medication overuse headaches if:

  • you experience daily headaches similar to what you have during a migraine episode
  • you’re having more migraine episodes than usual

If you develop medication overuse headaches, your doctor will likely have you stop using Zomig. As a result, you may have symptoms such as temporary worsening of migraine headaches. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to treat these symptoms.

If you take more Zomig than recommended, let your doctor know. They may adjust your dosage or discuss whether Zomig is right for you.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Zomig for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Zomig without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Zomig exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Should I take a higher Zomig dosage if the drug is not working well enough for me?
  • Would my dosage be different if I switched from Zomig tablets to Zomig nasal spray?
  • What should I do if I still have migraine symptoms after taking a second dose of Zomig?

To learn more about Zomig, see these articles:

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Q:

Can I use Zomig nasal spray if I’m taking cimetidine?

Anonymous

A:

You may be able to take Zomig nasal spray with cimetidine (Tagamet HB), an antacid medication. It depends on your dosage of Zomig.

The recommended maximum dose for Zomig, if taken with cimetidine, is 2.5 mg per single dose and 5 mg total in 24 hours.

If your doctor prescribes this dosage, you can use Zomig nasal spray. But if your doctor reduces your dosage of Zomig to 1.25 mg, you’ll need to switch to Zomig tablets. (You can cut Zomig 2.5-mg tablets in half to take this dose.)

Always take Zomig exactly as your doctor prescribes it. If you have questions about your Zomig dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.