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Printable Version Zolmitriptan

Active Ingredients: Zolmitriptan
Representative Names: Zomig
Available Product Images:

What are zolmitriptan tablets?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
How should I take this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with zolmitriptan?
What side effects may I notice from taking zolmitriptan?
What should I watch for while taking zolmitriptan?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What are zolmitriptan tablets? (Back to top)
ZOLMITRIPTAN (Zomig®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Generic zolmitriptan tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•abdominal pain
•bowel disease, colitis or bloody diarrhea
•diabetes
•headaches that are different from your usual migraine
•heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack
•family history of heart disease
•high blood pressure
•high cholesterol
•history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or 'mini-strokes'), or intracranial bleeding
•fast or irregular heartbeat
•postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•overweight
•poor circulation
•Raynaud's disease
•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 take this medicine? (Back to top)
Take zolmitriptan tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Zolmitriptan is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine attack; it is not for everyday use. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If your migraine headache returns after one dose, you can take another dose as directed. You must allow at least 2 hours between doses, and do not take more than 10 mg total in any 24 hour period. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take a second dose without talking to your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply, zolmitriptan is not for regular use.

What drug(s) may interact with zolmitriptan? (Back to top)
Do not take zolmitriptan with any of the following medicines:
•amphetamine or cocaine
•dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eroloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking zolmitriptan.
•almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking zolmitriptan.
•medicines for weight loss such as dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine
•monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) - do not take zolmitriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these medications:
•birth control pills
•cimetidine
•cough syrup or other products containing dextromethorphan
•feverfew
•lithium
•medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems such as buspirone, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants, or venlafaxine
•meperidine
•propranolol
•St. John's wort
•tryptophan

Tell your physician or health care provider: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking zolmitriptan? (Back to top)
Rare or uncommon:
•chest or throat pain, tightness
•dizziness or faintness
•fast or irregular heart beat
•feeling of chest heaviness or pressure
•increased blood pressure
•palpitations
•severe stomach pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea
•shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
•tingling, pain, or numbness in the face, hands or feet
•unusual reaction or swelling of the skin, eyelids, face, or lips

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•feeling warm, flushing, sweating or redness of the face
•muscle pain or cramps
•nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or difficulty swallowing
•tiredness or weakness

What should I watch for while taking zolmitriptan? (Back to top)
Only take zolmitriptan tablets for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. Zolmitriptan is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.

Do not take migraine products that contain ergotamine while you are taking zolmitriptan; this combination can affect your heart.

You may get drowsy, dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how zolmitriptan 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 zolmitriptan.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.


Last Updated:09/22/2003

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Zolmitriptan

  Learn how Zolmitriptan is used to treat:
  • Headache

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