Zolmitriptan Orodispersible Tablets

Treat your migraine symptoms without swallowing tablets

Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets are a different form of medication than regular Zolmitriptan tablets. Instead of being swallowed whole with water like traditional tablets, orodispersible tablets dissolve quickly in the mouth without the need for water.

This can be particularly beneficial for people who experience nausea or vomiting during a migraine attack, as it can be challenging to swallow traditional tablets in these situations. With Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets, the medication is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and providing faster relief.

In addition to the convenience of administration, Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets have a pleasant taste and texture, making them more tolerable for those who may have trouble swallowing tablets.

How does Zolmitriptan work?

Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets treat migraines by targeting their underlying causes. Migraines are typically caused by the widening of blood vessels in the brain, which leads to inflammation and pain. Zolmitriptan belongs to a class of medicines called triptans, which work by narrowing these blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets quickly dissolve in the mouth, allowing the active ingredient to enter the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and binds to serotonin receptors. This binding action causes the blood vessels in the brain to narrow, which reduces inflammation and alleviates pain.

Zolmitriptan also helps to block pain signals in the brain, which can further help to relieve other migraine symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Which type of Zolmitriptan is right for me?

Regular Zolmitriptan tablets are taken orally with water, while orodispersible tablets dissolve instantly in the mouth, without the need for water. This makes them ideal for anyone that has difficulty swallowing tablets or experiences nausea or vomiting during a migraine attack.

In terms of effectiveness, there is no significant difference between regular and orodispersible Zolmitriptan tablets. Both forms of medication contain the same active ingredient and work by targeting the underlying cause of migraines.

Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets are designed to dissolve rapidly in the mouth, so you won’t need to take a sip of water when taking them.

1. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling the tablet.
2. Open the blister pack by peeling back the foil and remove the tablet by gently pushing it through the foil. Do not try to break or cut the tablet.
3. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole.
4. If needed, you can drink a small amount of water after the tablet has dissolved.

If your migraine symptoms do not improve after taking the first dose of Zolmitriptan, do not take another dose for at least two hours.

Zolmitriptan dosage

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you to. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure.

You should take Zolmitriptan as soon as you start to feel the symptoms of a moderate or severe headache. You may also take it when an attack is already underway, but this can reduce the drug’s overall effectiveness.

For adults between 18 and 65 years:

• The recommended dose is one 2.5mg tablet to be swallowed with a drink of water.
• You can take a second Zolmitriptan tablet if the migraine is still present after two hours or if it returns within 24 hours.
• Do not use more than two doses in one day unless prescribed to you by your doctor.
• The maximum daily dose is 10mg.

If you do not receive satisfactory relief using a dose of 2.5mg of Zolmitriptan, tell your doctor. They may consider increasing your dose to 5mg.

See the Patient Information Leaflet for more details.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zolmitriptan if:

• You are at a higher risk of heart disease, for example, if you are diabetic, a heavy smoker, suffer from high blood pressure, you have too many fatty substances (lipids) in your blood, or if there is a history of heart problems in your family.
• You have ever had liver problems.
• You have abnormal heart rhythms.
• You are taking medicine for the treatment of depression.

When taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You notice pain or a feeling of tightness in your chest and throat. If these symptoms don’t pass quickly, tell your doctor immediately.
• Your blood pressure becomes higher.
• You have headaches frequently despite the regular use of headache medicines.

Possible side effects can occur with this medicine, as with all medications, but not everyone experiences them. If you notice any of the following, stop taking Zolmitriptan immediately and inform your doctor or go to the nearest hospital:

• Serious allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or a rash resembling nettle stings or hives
• Heart attack (severe chest pain, clamminess, shortness of breath, jaw and arm pain), or chest pain (angina)
• Insufficient blood flow to the gut, intestines, or spleen, which may result in abdominal pain or bloody diarrhoea

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) that may occur include:

• Dizziness; headache; increased sensitivity to touch; tingling or numbness; sleepiness; warmth sensation; unusual or altered sensations
• Irregular heart rhythm or missed beats
• Abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Muscle weakness or pain; general weakness; feeling of heaviness or tightness; pain or pressure in the throat, neck, limbs, or chest

Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people):

• Increased heart rate
• Temporary increase in blood pressure shortly after taking the tablets
• Passing abnormally large amounts of urine or more frequent urination

Very rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people):

• Urgent need to urinate

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Zolmitriptan drug interactions

If you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist. Specifically, notify your doctor if you are taking:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine or duloxetine, which are used to treat depression (and in some cases, urinary problems).
• Moclobemide, a medication used to treat depression and social phobia, as it may enhance the effects of Zolmitriptan. If you take more than 150mg moclobemide twice a day, you should not use Zolmitriptan.
• Cimetidine, fluvoxamine, and quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, as they may increase the effect of Zolmitriptan. To avoid this, it is recommended that you take a maximum dose of 5mg per day of Zolmitriptan.
• Medications like selegiline, which is an MAO-B inhibitor, because using them together with Zolmitriptan may affect your mental state or cause muscle problems. Your doctor will be able to advise you on whether Zolmitriptan is a suitable treatment for you.

The active ingredient in each Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablet is: Zolmitriptan 2.5 mg / Zolmitriptan 5mg.

The inactive ingredients are: mannitol, silica colloidal anhydrous, crospovidone (Type A),

crospovidone (Type B), aspartame (E951), cellulose microcrystalline, guar gum, magnesium

stearate; orange flavour (contains orange flavour, maize maltodextrin, alpha tocopherol (E307))

How does Zolmitriptan make you feel?

Zolmitriptan is a medication used to treat migraines. It works by constricting the blood vessels in the brain. It does not have any psychoactive effects, so it should not make you feel any different than usual.

Can I buy Zolmitriptan online?

Yes, you can buy Zolmitriptan online. Zolmitriptan tablets are available on prescription from The Independent Pharmacy. Just complete an online health consultation, and your migraine treatment can be delivered as soon as the next working day.

What is Zolmitriptan used for?

Zolmitriptan is a prescription-only migraine medication. It is not intended for the prevention of migraines or the treatment of other types of headaches. Zolmitriptan provides migraine relief by constricting the blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain signals.

How long does it take for Zolmitriptan to work?

Zolmitriptan usually starts working within 30 minutes. For the best chance of the medication working effectively, take it as soon as possible after the onset of a migraine.

Is Sumatriptan stronger than Zolmitriptan?

Sumatriptan and Zolmitriptan are both medications used to relieve migraine headaches. The effectiveness of the medication may vary from person to person, and what works for one person’s migraine pain may not work for another.

While both medications work by constricting the blood vessels in the brain, some studies suggest that Sumatriptan may be slightly more effective for some patients. This is why it’s important to work closely with your GP or pharmacist so that they can decide the best treatment route for your migraines.