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Molecular formula of Zolmitriptan: C16H21N3O2

Chemical IUPAC Name: (S)-4-({3-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl}methyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one

CAS No.: 139264-17-8

Structural Formula:

Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist of the 1B and 1D subtypes. It is a triptan, used in the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura and cluster headaches. Zolmitriptan is a synthetic tryptamine derivative and appears as a white powder that is partially soluble in water.

Zomig is a serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist that is used in the treatment of acute migraines in adults. The active ingredient in Zomig is zolmitriptan, a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It is classified as a triptan, which is believed to reduce the pain of migraine by relieving swelling and narrowing blood vessels. As a selective serotonin receptor agonist, Zomig also stops pain signals being sent to the brain and blocks the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause the symptoms of migraine, including head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Zomig is indicated for migraines with or without aura, the visual or sensory symptoms some people with migraines experience before the head pain.

Use of Zolmitriptan

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 is available as a swallowable tablet, an oral disintegrating tablet, and a nasal spray, in doses of 2.5 and 5 mg. People who get migraines from aspartame should not use the disintegrating tablet (Zomig ZMT), which contains aspartame.

According to a study of healthy volunteers, food intake seems to have no significant effect on the effectiveness of Zolmitriptan in both men and women.

The zolmitriptan in Zomig binds to certain serotonin receptors. Researchers believe that Zomig works by binding to these receptors in neurons (nerve cells) and on blood vessels in the brain, causing the blood vessels to constrict and inhibiting chemicals that would increase inflammation. Zomig also reduces substances that trigger head pain and which may be involved in other common symptoms of migraine, such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound. Zomig works best when it is taken at the first sign of a migraine. It does not prevent a migraine or reduce the number of migraine attacks you have.

Side Effects of Zolmitriptan

Like all medications, Zomig may cause unintended side effects. The most common side effects experienced by people taking Zomig tablets are pain, tightness or pressure in the neck, throat, or jaw; dizziness, tingling, weakness or lack of energy, sleepiness, feelings of warmth or cold, nausea, heaviness sensation, and dry mouth. The most common side effects experienced by people taking Zomig nasal spray are an unusual taste, tingling, dizziness, and sensitivity of the skin, especially the skin around the nose.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zolmitriptan

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16412157

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18788838

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/10473025

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