Health Library

Zolmitriptan (Into the nose)

Zolmitriptan (zole-mi-TRIP-tan)

Treats migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Zomig

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 2 hours before you take another dose. Do not use more than 10 milligrams (mg) in 24 hours.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Do not prime the nasal spray. The unit contains only enough medicine for 1 spray.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
• Hold 1 nostril closed with your finger. Place the tip of the spray unit in your other nostril. Breathe in gently through your nose and slowly release 1 spray into your nose at the same time.
• Keep your head tilted back and remove the spray unit from your nose. Breathe through your mouth for 5 to 10 seconds. You might feel some liquid in your nose or on the back of your throat.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Use zolmitriptan only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken another migraine headache medicine in the past 24 hours, such as another triptan or an ergot medicine. These medicines include almotriptan, dihydroergotamine, eletriptan, ergotamine, frovatriptan, methysergide, rizatriptan, or sumatriptan. Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine) in the past 14 days.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how zolmitriptan works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine or medicine for depression.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood circulation problems or if you smoke.
• This medicine should be used only for classic or common migraine headaches. Do not use for any other kind of headache or pain.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Higher risk for abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, angina, or stroke
  • Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw
  • Spasms in the blood vessels, such as Raynaud syndrome
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Increased blood pressure
• Your headaches may become worse if you use headache medicine for 10 or more days per month.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, weak, or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Chest pain, especially if it spreads to your arms, jaw, back, or neck
• Fast or uneven heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, color changes in your fingers or toes
• Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Sudden severe headache (other than the one being treated)
• Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw
• Vision changes that are not part of a usual migraine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bad or unusual taste in your mouth
• Feeling dizzy

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024