Zolmitriptan Orodispersible Tablets

What is it used for?

Zolmitriptan Orodispersible is used for the management of migraine attacks with or without aura. Aura for those who don’t know are the neurological effects (nausea, light sensitivity etc…) which can be experienced by some sufferers, typically it can affect up to 1 in 5 migraines sufferers. Zolmitriptan Orodispersible belongs to a group of medicine called the ‘triptans’ it is a 5HT1B/1D receptor agonist. (migraine.org.uk)

How does it work?

Zolmitriptan Orodispersible works as a selective agonist for the 5-HTIB/1D receptors leading to the contraction of vessels around the brain. When these vessels are dilated (during a migraine attack) they cause symptoms of the migraine to kick in such as headaches, aura, nausea and vomiting. (NHS)

How is Zolmitriptan Orodispersible taken?

This medicine is only taken on a when required basis, it is not to be used in a prophylaxis manner. This means that it doesn’t prevent migraines from occurring it only helps stop them once you have one.

This tablet will be different to most in that it is not made to be swallowed, instead it is to be placed on the tongue where it will be dissolved and then be swallowed with the saliva. Therefore this tablet does not need to be taken with water, it helps in situations where nausea and vomiting can occur due to taking medicines with water. This medicine can be taken with or without food.

Zolmitriptan Orodispersible should be taken as soon as possible after a migraine attack, you will need to take only one tablet to begin with. A secondary tablet may be taken if the migraine continues however you must remember that it cannot be taken within 2 hours of the first dose. No more than 2 tablets should be taken in any 24 hour period. If no symptom relief is achieved after 2 doses then you can combine with other painkillers – see below.

How long does it take to work?

This medication usually takes up to an hour to work in the majority of patients, the clinical effectiveness of the medicine will remain for up to 4-5 hours after taking the tablet.

Can I take painkillers with Zolmitriptan Orodispersible?

You can take aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen alongside Zolmitriptan Orodispersible. Using painkillers alongside this migraine treatment can work better than using Zolmitriptan alone. If you want more clarification on other pain killers then please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

B.V. 2019

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of the symptoms below could be part of the migraine attack itself.

If you experience any of the side effects listed below stop taking the medication and seek the doctor immediately

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• These side effects are usually mild and go away after a short time.
• Abnormal sensations such as tingling in your fingers and toes or skin that is sensitive to touch.
• Feeling sleepy, dizzy or warm.
• Headache.
• Uneven heart beat.
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
• Stomach pain.
• Dry mouth.
• Muscle weakness or muscle pain.
• Feeling weak.
• Heaviness, tightness, pain or pressure in the throat, neck, arms and legs, or chest.
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
• uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
• Very fast heart beat.
• Slightly higher blood pressure.
• Increase in the amount of water you pass (urine) or in how often you need to pass water.

For a full list of side effects CLICK HERE

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.