Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is an oral, selective Serotonin receptor agonist, of the serotonin receptor 1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D). It is a second-generation triptan, used in the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura and cluster headaches.

Zolmitriptan is marketed by AstraZeneca with the brand names Zomig, Zomigon (Greece & Argentina), AscoTop (Germany) and Zomigoro (France). In 2005, AstraZeneca generated $352 million in sales with Zomig.

Description
Zolmitriptan is a synthetic tryptamine derivative and appears as a white powder that is readily soluble in water.

Indications
Zolmitriptan is used for the acute treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults. Zolmitriptan is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

Zolmitriptan comes in both a swallowable and oral disintegrating tablet. People who get migraines from aspartame should not use the disintegrating tablet (Zomig ZMT), which contains aspartame.

Contraindications and precautions
Zolmitriptan should not be given to patients with ischemic heart disease (angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischemia) or to patients who have symptoms or findings consistent with ischemic heart disease, coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal's angina, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease.

Zolmitriptan may increase blood pressure, it should not be given to patients with uncontrolled hypertension, should not be used within 24 hours of treatment with another 5-HT1 agonist, or an ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication like dihydroergotamine or methysergide, and should not be administered to patients with hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

Concurrent administration of MAOI or use of zolmitriptan within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAO-A inhibitor therapy is contraindicated.

Adverse reactions
The Zomig ZMT dissolvable pill contains aspartame, and should be avoided by anyone sensitive to that ingredient.

Serious cardiac events, including myocardial infarction, have been associated with zolmitriptan. These are, however, rare.

Reported minor adverse reactions include: hypesthesia, paresthesia (all types), warm and cold sensations, chest pain, throat and jaw tightness, dry mouth, dyspepsia, dysphagia, nausea, somnolence, vertigo, asthenia, myalgia, myasthenia and sweating.