Zomig Nasal Spray (Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zomig Nasal Spray

Headache »

What is a headache?

A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

How are headaches classified?

Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache. Because so many people suffer from headaches and because treatment sometimes is difficult, it is hoped that the new classification system will allow health care practitioners come to a specific diagnosis as to the type of headache and to provide better and more effective treatment.

There are three major categories of headaches:

primary headaches,
secondary headaches, and
cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches

What are primary headaches?

Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, ...

Read the Headache article »

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Zomig Nasal Spray User Reviews >>

Zomig Nasal Spray

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Zomig Nasal Spray Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nasal zolmitriptan (Zomig Nasal Spray)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to zolmitriptan, or if you have:

a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood circulation problems, heart attack, or stroke, including "mini-stroke";
ischemic bowel disease;
severe liver disease;
severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure; or
a headache that is not like other headaches you have had.

Do not use zolmitriptan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the past 14 days.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using zolmitriptan, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder; or
coronary artery disease (or risk factors that include diabetes, menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being older than 40 and a man, or being a woman who has had a hysterectomy).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using zolmitriptan, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether zolmitriptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.

How should I use nasal zolmitriptan (Zomig Nasal Spray)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Never use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Overuse of migraine headache medicine can actually make your headaches worse. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use zolmitriptan as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.

The usual dose of zolmitriptan is a single spray into one nostril. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils before using this medication. Remove the protective cap from the nasal spray device. Hold the device upright and insert the tip into your nostril. Hold your other nostril closed with the tip of your index finger.

Tilt your head back slightly and press the plunger on the nasal spray device. Inhale slowly as you spray the zolmitriptan dose into your nostril. Remove the spray device and breathe gently through your nose for 5 to 10 seconds. Keep your head tilted back, as you may feel some liquid in your nose or in the back of your throat.

There is only one spray in each zolmitriptan spray device. Do not press the plunger on the device until you have inserted the tip into your nostril.

After using the nasal spray: If your headache goes away and comes back, use a second dose two (2) hours after the first. Do not use more than 10 mg of zolmitriptan in 24 hours. If your headache does not completely go away, call your doctor before using a second dose of zolmitriptan.

Contact your doctor if you have more than four headaches in one month (30 days).

If you use zolmitriptan long-term, your doctor may want to check your heart function periodically using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG), a machine that measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your doctor determine if it is still safe for you to use this medication. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store zolmitriptan at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the protective cap on the nasal spray until you are ready to use it.

Throw away the single-use nasal spray device after one use.

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