Zolmitriptan

Directions

Note: Always follow your GP’s or pharmacist’s advice and the leaflet provided.

• Initial dose:

  • 1 tablet (2.5mg or 5mg) at onset of migraine

• Second dose (if needed):

  • After 2 hours if symptoms return

• Maximum dose:

  • Do not exceed 10mg in 24 hours

How to take:

• Standard tablets: Swallow whole with water

• Orodispersible: Place on tongue and allow to dissolve

Storage:

• Store below 25°C

• Keep blister packs dry

• Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient:

  • Zolmitriptan 2.5mg or 5mg

• Excipients (may include):

  • Lactose

  • Mannitol (in orodispersible form)

  • Aspartame (in orodispersible form)

  • Magnesium stearate

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Tingling or heat sensation

Serious side effects (rare):

• Chest pain

• High blood pressure

• Serotonin syndrome (if combined with SSRIs or SNRIs)

• Allergic reaction

Warnings

• Not suitable for:

  • People with a history of heart disease, stroke, or uncontrolled hypertension

  • Use within 24 hours of another triptan or ergotamine-based drug

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:

  • Use only under medical advice

• Drug interactions:

  • SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and certain herbal remedies

• Age restrictions:

  • Not recommended under 18

Zolmitriptan is an effective migraine treatment available as standard tablets and orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) tablets, in 2.5mg and 5mg strengths. It is designed to treat the acute phase of a migraine attack, particularly moderate to severe cases.

Migraines are more than just headaches. They often come with nausea, visual disturbances, and heightened sensitivity to light or sound. Zolmitriptan directly addresses these symptoms by reversing the underlying vascular changes in the brain.

How It Works

Zolmitriptan is a 5HT1B/1D receptor agonist that works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, reducing inflammation, and stopping the transmission of pain signals. It acts similarly to the body’s natural serotonin and helps restore vascular balance during a migraine attack.

The orodispersible formulation dissolves quickly in the mouth and is absorbed via the oral mucosa, offering a more rapid and convenient route—especially useful for patients experiencing nausea or difficulty swallowing.

Why Choose Zolmitriptan Tablets or Orodispersible Tablets

Zolmitriptan is widely recommended for treating migraines due to its balance of speed, effectiveness, and tolerability. It is particularly useful for:

Fast onset of relief, typically within 45 minutes

Orodispersible option for patients with nausea or who cannot swallow pills

Flexible dosing (2.5mg to 5mg) for tailored treatment

Clinically proven across various migraine types

Suitable for migraine with or without aura

Both forms are discreet and travel-friendly, making them a practical choice for on-the-go relief.

Important Note

Zolmitriptan is only effective when taken at the start of a migraine. It should not be used as a preventative measure. Overuse may cause medication-overuse headache (MOH). Patients with cardiovascular risk should be assessed before starting treatment.

The tablets should be taken as soon as migraine symptoms begin. If one dose doesn’t work, do not take a second for the same episode. Wait until a new migraine occurs.