How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient zolmitriptan, which belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin (or 5HT) agonists. It works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a natural substance in the brain that, among other things, causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Zolmitriptan mimics this action of serotonin by directly stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This causes the blood vessels to narrow. Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine attacks. As zolmitriptan narrows these blood vessels, it relieves the pain of migraines. The dose should be taken as early as possible after the onset of migraine headache. Zolmitriptan is available as conventional tablets (Zomig); rapidly dissolving tablets that are designed to melt on the tongue without the need for a drink of water (Zomig Rapimelt); or as nasal spray (Zomig nasal spray). The nasal spray and rapidly dissolving tablets are useful for more rapid relief from a migraine, and may also be preferable if you do not have a drink available, or if you suffer from nausea and are unable to drink during a migraine attack.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

This medicine should not be used to prevent migraines.

If your migraine symptoms persist or return after one dose, a second dose can be effective. If you need a second dose, you should not take it within two hours of the first dose. The maximum recommended dose in 24 hours is 10mg, unless you have liver problems, or are taking certain other medicines (see below). Discuss this with your doctor.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children and in elderly people over 65 years of age.

If you experience any chest pain after taking this medicine you should not take a further dose until you have consulted your doctor.

Use with caution in

Abnormal heart beats caused by Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

An inherited disorder of protein metabolism called phenylketonuria (Zomig Rapimelt only)

Decreased liver function

High blood pressure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

People with risk factors for ischaemic heart disease, such as high cholesterol levels

Not to be used in

A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

History of small temporary strokes

History of stroke

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain

Dry mouth

Nausea

Feeling of warmth

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Chest pain (angina)

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Muscle pain and weakness

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Feeling of tightness or pressure in the neck, throat, limbs or chest

Hypersensitivity reactions such as swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock

Feeling of heaviness in the limbs

Discomfort in the nasal cavity (nasal spray only)

Taste disturbance (nasal spray only)

Bloody diarrhoea

Temporary increases in blood pressure

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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