Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Using too much zolmitriptan may increase the chance of side effects.

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 use zolmitriptan for a headache that is different from your usual migraines. Instead, check with your doctor.

To relieve your migraine as soon as possible, use zolmitriptan as soon as the headache pain begins. Even if you get warning signals of a coming migraine (an aura), you should wait until the headache pain starts before using zolmitriptan.

Ask your doctor ahead of time about any other medicine you might take if zolmitriptan does not work. After you take the other medicine, check with your doctor as soon as possible. Headaches that are not relieved by zolmitriptan are sometimes caused by conditions that need other treatment.

If you feel much better after a dose of zolmitriptan, but your headache comes back or gets worse after a while, you may use one additional dose of zolmitriptan 2 hours after the first dose. Do not use more than 3 doses in any 24-hour period.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

To use the nasal spray:

  • Do not try to prime the nasal spray or you will lose your dose. The unit contains only 1 spray.
  • Gently blow your nose before using the spray.
  • Remove the gray protection cap and keep your head in an upright position.
  • Close one nostril with your index finger and breathe out gently through your mouth. Either nostril can be used.
  • Insert the tip of the nose piece into your nostril and tilt your head slightly. Breathe in gently through your nose and at the same time and slowly release one spray.
  • Keep your head slightly tilted back and remove the tip from your nose, and then breathe gently through your mouth for 5 to 10 seconds. You may feel liquid in your nose or the back of your throat. This is normal.
  • Throw away the used nasal spray. Do not reuse.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For nasal dosage form (nasal spray):
    • For migraine headaches:
      • Adults and children 12 years and older—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) (1 spray into one nostril). Another spray (2.5 mg or 5 mg) may be used for a migraine that occurs at a later time as long as it has been at least 2 hours since the last spray.
      • The maximum single dose is 5 mg. Do not use more than 10 mg in a 24-hour period (one day).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.