Presentation

Zomitan 2.5 tablet: Each film-coated tablet contains Zolmitriptan INN 2.5 mg.

Description

Zolmitriptan is an antimigraine agent. It binds with high affinity to 5-HT1B/1D receptors. The therapeutic activity of Zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraine headache can most likely be attributed to the agonist effects at the 5-HT1B/1D receptors on intracranial blood vessels and sensory nerves of the trigeminal system which results in cranial vessel constriction and inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide release. Zolmitriptan is rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration.

Indications

Zomitan 2.5 is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dose of Zolmitriptan to treat a migraine attack is 2.5 mg. If symptoms persist or return within 24 hours, a second dose may be taken not less than 2 hours after the first dose. The maximum dose of Zolmitriptan in 24 hours is 10 mg. Zolmitriptan is equally effective whenever the tablets are taken during a migraine attack; although it is advisable that Zolmitriptan tablets are taken as early as possible after the onset of migraine headache. Patients with hepatic impairment: Patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment a maximum dose of 5 mg in 24 hours is recommended. Patients with renal impairment: No dosage adjustment required.

Use in children: Safety and efficacy of Zolmitriptan in paediatric patients have not been established.

Use in elderly patients: Safety and efficacy of Zolmitriptan in individuals aged over 65 years have not been systematically evaluated.

Side Effects

Zolmitriptan is well tolerated. Adverse reactions are typically mild/moderate, transient, not serious and resolve spontaneously without additional treatment. The most commonly reported adverse effects are nausea, dizziness, somnolence, asthenia and dry mouth. Disturbances of sensation have also been reported. Heaviness, tightness, pain or pressure may occur in the throat, neck, limbs and chest (with no evidence of ischaemic changes on ECG).

Precautions

Zolmitriptan should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established. Care should be taken to exclude other potentially serious neurological conditions. There are no data on the use of Zolmitriptan in hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Zolmitriptan should not be given to patients with symptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or arrhythmias associated with other cardiac accessory conduction pathways. In patients with risk factors for ischaemic heart disease, cardiovascular evaluation prior to commencement of treatment with this class of compounds, including Zolmitriptan, is recommended.

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: There are no studies in pregnant women, but there is no evidence of teratogenicity in animal studies. Zolmitriptan should be used in pregnancy only if the benefits to the mother justify potential risk to the foetus.

Lactation: No data exists for passage of Zolmitriptan into human breast milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administrating Zolmitriptan to women who are breast-feeding.

Drug Interaction

There is no evidence that concomitant use of migraine prophylactic medications has any effect on the efficacy or unwanted effects of Zolmitriptan. The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of Zolmitriptan are unaffected by acute symptomatic treatments such as paracetamol, metoclopramide and ergotamine. However, it is recommended that patients should leave at least 6 hours between taking an ergotamine preparation and starting Zolmitriptan and vice versa. Concomitant administration of other 5-HT1B/1D agonists within 12 hours of Zolmitriptan treatment should be avoided. Following administration of moclobemide, a specific MAO-A inhibitor, there was a small increase in AUC for Zolmitriptan and a 3-fold increase in AUC of the active metabolite. Therefore, a maximum intake of 7.5 mg Zolmitriptan in 24 hours is recommended in patients taking an MAO-A inhibitor.

Over Dose

There is no experience with clinical overdose. Volunteers receiving single 50 mg oral doses of Zolmitriptan commonly experienced sedation. There is no specific antidote to Zolmitriptan. In case of severe intoxication, intensive care procedures are recommended.

Commercial Pack

Zomitan 2.5 tablet: Each box contains 1 Alu-Alu blister strip of 10 tablets.