Zomigon (zolmitriptan)
General information on Zomigon
Zomigon, with active ingredient zolmitriptan, belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. The drug is used for treating migraine headache. The drug is not used for preventing or reducing migraine attacks. Rather, it is used for only relieving the symptoms of an on-going migraine attack. During a migraine attack, certain blood vessels surrounding the brain become wide which leads to severe pain. The drug works by making these blood vessels narrower, helping them return to their normal position, thus relieving the symptoms of migraine.
Precautions/side effects of Zomigon
Zomigon contains the active ingredient Zolmitriptan. Patients allergic to triptans should refrain from using this drug. Other than that, patients on other triptans such as eletriptan, alotriptan etc. should not use this drug. Patients on antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine etc. should also refrain from using Zomigon to prevent serious serotonin effects.
Other than that, patients with liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, angina or coronary heart disease should take this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is also known to react with certain medications other than those listed above such as cimetidine, venlafaxine etc. Patients taking other prescription drugs should inform the doctor accordingly before taking Zomigon.
Zomigon is a Category C pregnancy drug. Thus, it may have adverse effects on the fetus as well as the newborn. Pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should use Zomigon only after consultation with a doctor. Other than that, the drug is also known to have certain side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, pain in the neck or hot flushes. However, in certain cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as numbness in the arms or legs, pain in the chest or a feeling of tightness, irregular heartbeat, sweating, bloody diarrhea or abnormally high blood pressure. If any of these symptoms show up after taking the drug, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- The drug is known to cause drowsiness. Thus, tasks which require concentration such as driving, working on heavy machinery etc. should not be done immediately after taking the drug.
- Not more than two doses of Zomigon should be take in a day and the doses should be separated by at least 2 hours.
Dosage of Zomigon
Zomigon is available as 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets. The usual dosage of the drug is 2.5 mg at the time when the migraine attack starts. In cases of acute migraine, the dosage may be increased to 5mg.
The drug can be taken with or without food. However, the tablet should not be swallowed as a whole. It should be kept in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly. Overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs. If a dose is missed, it should be had as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose. Overdose of the drug can lead to severe symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, acute diarrhea etc. which require immediate medical attention.
Storage of Zomigon
Zomigon should be stored at room temperature, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. It should be kept out of reach of children as well as pets at all times.
