Drug interactions
Rizatriptan + Zolmitriptan
Severity: Major
Rizatriptan and Zolmitriptan: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Two 5-HT1B/1D agonists taken close together produce additive vasoconstriction, including of the coronary arteries. This increases the risk of cardiovascular ischemic events and hypertension without added migraine benefit.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rizatriptan and Zolmitriptan can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Rizatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolmitriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive 5-HT1B/1D receptor-mediated vasoconstriction.
What to do
Do not use two triptans within 24 hours of each other. If the first triptan fails, choose a different drug class for rescue treatment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Zolmitriptan
- Almotriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rizatriptan with Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rizatriptan and Zolmitriptan can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Two 5-HT1B/1D agonists taken close together produce additive vasoconstriction, including of the coronary arteries. This increases the risk of cardiovascular ischemic events and hypertension without added migraine benefit.
How serious is the interaction between Rizatriptan and Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use two triptans within 24 hours of each other. If the first triptan fails, choose a different drug class for rescue treatment.
What other medicines interact with Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolmitriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Zolmitriptan page.
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