If you have migraine, your doctor might suggest Zomig as a treatment option for you.

Zomig is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches with or without aura. It is not used to prevent migraine episodes.

Zomig’s active ingredient is zolmitriptan. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Zomig belongs to the group of drugs called triptans, also known as serotonin receptor agonists.

This drug can be in three forms.

  • A tablet that you swallow.
  • Zomig-ZMT is a orally disintegrating tablets.
  • A spray that you use in the nose.

All forms of Zomig are available for adults. The spray is only appropriate for children.

This article describes the dosages of Zomig, as well as its strengths and how to take the drug. To learn more about Zomig, see this in-depth article.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Zomig’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more details. And please keep in mind that this article covers Zomig’s standard dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.

Zomig tablets Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets Zomig nasal spray
Recommended starting dosage 1.25 or 2.5 grams. taken as a single dose 2.5 tablets taken as a single dose 2.5 tablets taken as a single dose

The section covers the administration and common dosage for Zomig. Your doctor will discuss the instructions for the medication with you.

What are the forms of Zomig?

Zomig comes in three different forms.

  • You swallow Zomig tablets.
  • You can take Zomig-ZMT on your tongue.
  • You spray Zomig in your nose.

What strengths does Zomig come in?

Zomig tablets, Zomig-ZMT oral disintegrating tablets, and Zomig nasal spray have two strengths.

  • 2.5 grams.
  • 5 tablets

What are the usual dosages of Zomig?

Your doctor will usually start you with a low dose of Zomig. They will adjust your dose over time to reach the right amount. They will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The recommended starting dosages for Zomig are listed below.

  • Zomig tablet dosage: 1.25 tablets or 2.5 tablets as needed
  • Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablet dosage: 2.5 tablets as needed
  • Zomig nasal spray dosage: 2.5 tablets as needed

Zomig is a single dose and you will take it when you feel a migraine. If your headaches are not alleviated after 2 hours, you may take a second dose.

The maximum dose for all forms of Zomig is 5 tablets per single dose and 10 mg total in 24 hours.

It is not known if it is safe to take either type of Zomig for more than three times a month. It is not known if Zomig is safe to use for more than four times a month.

What’s the dosage of Zomig for children?

Children as young as 12 years old may be able to use Zomig to treat their migraines.

The recommended starting dose for children is 2.5 tablets taken as needed. If your child is prescribed Zomig, they’ll take it as a single dose when they feel a migraine episode happening. If after 2 hours their migraine headache is not relieved or it returns, they may take a second dose.

The maximum dose for Zomig nasal spray in children is 5 tablets per single dose and 10 mg total per 24 hours.

It is not known if Zomig is safe to use for more than four migraines per month.

Is Zomig used long term?

If you and your doctor determine that Zomig is safe and effective for you, they will likely prescribe it for a long time. You will only take it when there is a migraine episode. They will let you know how many days you can take Zomig.

Dosage adjustments

If your liver is working well, you may need a Zomig dose reduction. If you have certain types of problems with the bile duct, your doctor may not prescribe Zomig-ZMT.

The Zomig you are prescribed may affect the dosage. These include:

  • the severity of your migraine episode
  • Your age.
  • You are using the form of Zomig.
  • You take other drugs.
  • You can have other conditions if you have what is called a “Dosage adjustments”.

You’ll take your Zomig dosage at the start of a migraine episode. You may take a second dose 2 hours after your first dose if:

  • Your headaches are still there, or they have gone away.
  • After your headaches have gone away, you will have them again.

“You will only take Zomig if you have a migranes. You won’t take it every day.”

Instructions on how to take each form of Zomig are below. Ask your doctor or pharmacist more about this drug.

For information on Zomig expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

How to take Zomig tablets

You can take Zomig tablets with water.

If your dose of Zomig is 1.25 tablets, take half of a 2.5-mg tablet. Each of these tablets has a line scored down the middle that you can use to cut or break the tablet in half.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

How to take Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets

Follow these instructions to take Zomig-ZMT.

  1. The tablet should be in the pack before you take it.
  2. Put the whole tablet on your tongue after removing the blisters. Do not cut Zomig-ZMT tablets.
  3. Allow the tablets to be swallowed.
  4. Throw away the packaging.

How to use Zomig nasal spray

The instructions explain how to use the spray. Each container of Zomig has one dose. Press the plunger until you are ready for your dose.

  1. Blow your nose before using the spray.
  2. The protective cap on the container of the spray should be removed.
  3. Keeping your head upright, close one nostril and breathe out through your mouth.
  4. The container should be held with your other hand so that the bottom rests on your thumb. The nozzle should be between your fingers.
  5. The tip of the nozzle should be inserted into your open nostril.
  6. tilt your head back
  7. Press the plunger with your thumb while breathing in.
  8. Keep your head tilted back and remove the nozzle from your nose.
  9. For a few seconds, breathe through your mouth. You may feel something in your body. This is fine.
  10. Throw away the container.

Accessible drug containers and labels

“If you can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening the blisters. They may have some tips that can make it easier to open this packaging.

Do not use more Zomig than your doctor tells you to. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.

It is not known if it is safe to take Zomig tablets for more than three times. It is not known if Zomig is safe to use for more than four days of migraines.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by a Zomig overdose can include sleepiness.

What to do in case you take too much Zomig

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Zomig. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

It’s not know whether Zomig causes drug dependence. This is when your body develops a physical need for the drug. But using too much Zomig over a short period may cause medication overuse headache.

If you are experiencing headaches, you may be experiencing medication over use.

  • you experience daily headaches similar to what you have during a migraine episode
  • You are having more headaches than usual.

If you develop headaches from using medication, your doctor will likely stop using Zomig. You may have a temporary worsening of headaches. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to treat the symptoms.

Let your doctor know if you take more Zomig than recommended. They may discuss whether or not Zomig is right for you.

The dosages provided by the drug manufacturer are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Zomig, they will prescribe the correct amount.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Zomig without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Zomig exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • If the drug is not working well for me, should I take a higher Zomig dose?
  • Is it possible that my dosage would be different if I switched to Zomig nasal spray?
  • What should I do if I still have headaches after taking a second dose of Zomig?

For information about migraine treatments and advice on managing your condition, sign up for Healthline’s online newsletter. And if you want to connect with others who live with migraine, consider joining the Bezzy Migraine community.

Q:

Can I use Zomig if I have cimetidine?

Anonymous

A:

You may be able to take Zomig nasal spray with cimetidine (Tagamet HB), an antacid medication. It depends on your dosage of Zomig.

The recommended maximum dose for Zomig, if taken with cimetidine, is 2.5 tablets per single dose and 5 tablets total in 24 hours.

If your doctor prescribes this dosage, you can use Zomig nasal spray. But if your doctor reduces your dosage of Zomig to 1.25 tablets, you’ll need to switch to Zomig tablets. (You can cut Zomig 2.5-mg tablets in half to take this dose.)

Take Zomig as your doctor prescribes it. If you have questions about your Zomig, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.