Zolmitriptan: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Zolmitriptan is a triptan medicine used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. It is mainly prescribed to relieve an established migraine attack rather than prevent future attacks. Zolmitriptan is available as a generic medicine and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Zolmitriptan belongs to the triptan group and acts as a serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist. During a migraine, changes involving serotonin signalling and blood vessels around the brain can contribute to headache and associated symptoms. Zolmitriptan stimulates particular serotonin receptors, helping to reverse some of the blood-vessel and nerve-signalling changes associated with an acute migraine attack.

This action is intended to relieve an existing migraine rather than prevent attacks from occurring. Because the same blood-vessel effects can affect the heart and other circulation, cardiovascular and other medical conditions are relevant when assessing whether zolmitriptan is suitable.

Zolmitriptan is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. This means it is used during a migraine attack, including attacks where visual or other neurological warning symptoms occur before the headache. It is intended for people with a clear diagnosis of migraine.

Zolmitriptan is not indicated for preventing migraine attacks and its safety and effectiveness have not been established for cluster headache. A headache that is new, unusual, or not consistent with an established migraine diagnosis may need assessment for other causes before this medicine is considered.

The label lists 2.5 mg and 5 mg oral tablets, including film-coated and orally disintegrating tablets, plus 2.5 mg and 5 mg metered nasal sprays and a 5 mg nasal spray. The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg. The label lists 1.25 mg as achievable by breaking a functionally scored 2.5 mg tablet in half.

The maximum single dose is 5 mg. The label lists a possible second dose after 2 hours if needed, with no more than 10 mg in any 24-hour period. The recommended dose is 1.25 mg in moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

The label lists no more than 5 mg per day in severe hepatic impairment. With cimetidine, the maximum single dose is 2.5 mg, with no more than 5 mg in any 24-hour period.

Store zolmitriptan tablets at 20°C to 25°C. Protect them from light and moisture, and keep them in their original packaging where possible to maintain quality. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children, and follow the storage instructions on the label.

Zolmitriptan is intended for acute migraine treatment rather than regular prevention, so a missed dose generally means that an intended dose for an attack was not taken. The label allows a second dose after 2 hours if needed, within the stated daily limit.

A missed dose should not be replaced by an extra dose or by exceeding the prescribed limits. A pharmacist or doctor can advise if attacks are frequent, treatment is not helping, or doses are repeatedly missed.

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk of zolmitriptan in pregnant women. Animal studies found embryolethality and fetal abnormalities at clinically relevant exposures, and the product label states that zolmitriptan may cause fetal harm. The possible risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor before use during pregnancy.

There are no data on zolmitriptan or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on a breastfed infant, or effects on milk production. Breastfeeding benefits should be considered alongside the mother’s clinical need and possible effects on the infant.