Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is an oral, selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D (5-HT 1B/1D ) receptor agonist. It is a second-generation triptan, for 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) and AscoTop (Germany). In 2005, AstraZeneca generated $352 million in sales with Zomig.

Description

Zolmitriptan is a synthetic indole derivative with the empirical formula is C16H21N3O2. Zolmitriptan is a white to almost white powder that is readily soluble in water.

Indications and Use
For is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine 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.

Contraindications and Precautions

Zolmitriptan should not be given to patients with ischaemic heart disease (angina pectoris, history of myocardial infarction, or documented silent ischaemia) or to patients who have symptoms or findings consistent with ischaemic heart disease, coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal’s variant 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 MAO-A inhibitors or use of zolmitriptan within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAO-A inhibitor therapy is contraindicated.

Adverse Reactions


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

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

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