Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray

Zolmitriptan nasal spray is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to sound and light). Zolmitriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and blocking the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine. Zolmitriptan does not prevent migraine attacks or reduce the number of headaches you have.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Zolmitriptan comes as a spray to inhale through the nose. It is usually used at the first sign of a migraine headache. If your symptoms improve after you use zolmitriptan but return after 2 hours or longer, you may use a second dose of zolmitriptan. However, if your symptoms do not improve after you use zolmitriptan, do not use a second dose without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use zolmitriptan exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You may use your first dose of zolmitriptan nasal spray in a doctor’s office or other medical facility where you can be monitored for serious reactions.

Call your doctor if your headaches do not get better or occur more frequently after using zolmitriptan nasal spray.

If you use zolmitriptan more often or for longer than the recommended period of time, your headaches may get worse or may occur more frequently. You should not use zolmitriptan nasal spray or take any other headache medication for more than 10 days per month. Call your doctor if you need to use zolmitriptan nasal spray to treat more than three headaches in a 1-month period.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:

1. Read all of the manufacturer’s instructions for using the nasal spray before you use your first dose.
2. Blow your nose gently.
3. Remove the protective cap from the sprayer.
4. Hold the sprayer between your fingers and thumb, but be careful not to press the plunger.
5. Use your other hand to block one nostril by pressing firmly on the side of your nose.
6. Put the tip of the sprayer into your other nostril as far as feels comfortable and tilt your head back slightly. Be careful not to press the plunger or spray the medication in your eyes.
7. Breathe in gently through your nose. At the same time, press the plunger firmly with your thumb. The plunger may feel stiff and you may hear a click.
8. Keep your head slightly tilted back and remove the tip from your nose.
9. Breathe gently through your mouth for 5-10 seconds. It is normal to feel liquid in your nose or the back of your throat.
10. The sprayer only contains one dose of medication. After you have used it, dispose of it in a trash can that is out of the reach of children and pets.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.