UK licensed medication

Next day delivery

Discreet packaging

Free expert advice & support

Ubayd Ali

Authored by

Ubayd Ali

Superintendent Pharmacist

Registration Number: 2219322

NHS Pharmacist and founding member of HEBA, with years of experience in healthcare across innovative organisations.
Sufyan Tahir

Reviewed by

Sufyan Tahir

Clinical Governance Lead

Registration Number: 2221275

Review Date 27 April 2026
Next Review 27 April 2028
Published on 27 April 2026
Last Update 27 April 2026

What Is Zomig Nasal Spray?
Zomig Nasal Spray is a prescription-only intranasal medication used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, and for cluster headaches. Each spray delivers a single dose of zolmitriptan directly into the nasal cavity, where it is rapidly absorbed both through the nasal lining and into the bloodstream. This route bypasses the stomach — making it especially useful when migraine-related nausea or vomiting would prevent a tablet from being absorbed effectively.


Zomig Nasal Spray belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans — selective serotonin (5-HT₁) receptor agonists that target the underlying neurovascular mechanism of migraine, rather than simply masking the pain. It is recommended within NICE guideline NG150 on headaches in over-12s as an effective acute treatment option, particularly for patients with prominent nausea or rapidly escalating attacks. It is licensed for use in adults aged 18 and over (and in some specific circumstances for adolescents aged 12–17).


Zomig Nasal Spray is manufactured by Grünenthal (formerly AstraZeneca) and contains the same active ingredient as Zomig tablets and Zomig orodispersible wafers — the difference lies in the delivery route and onset speed. One of the key advantages of zolmitriptan is its dual licensing for both migraine and cluster headache, making it one of the few triptans suitable for both indications.


What Is the Active Ingredient?
Zomig Nasal Spray contains a single active ingredient:
Zolmitriptan — a selective 5-HT₁B/1D receptor agonist. It works through several mechanisms:

  • Constricting dilated blood vessels in the brain (cranial vasoconstriction) — addressing one of the key vascular changes during a migraine attack
  • Inhibiting the release of inflammatory neuropeptides (such as CGRP and substance P) from trigeminal nerve endings
  • Reducing transmission of pain signals in the trigeminal nerve pathway
  • Acting on central nervous system receptors — zolmitriptan crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than some other triptans, which may explain its effectiveness in resistant migraines and cluster headaches

By delivering zolmitriptan directly through the nasal mucosa, Zomig Nasal Spray achieves a faster onset than oral tablets and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract — a critical advantage when nausea or vomiting is part of the attack.

How to Use Zomig Nasal Spray
Zomig Nasal Spray should be used at the first sign of a migraine headache — but not during the aura phase (the early warning symptoms such as visual disturbances). Using it as soon as the headache starts gives the best chance of fully aborting the attack.
For cluster headaches, the spray should be used as soon as the attack begins.

Step-by-step application:

  • Blow your nose gently if it is congested, then sit upright in a comfortable position.
  • Remove the device from its protective packaging just before use.
  • Hold the device between your index and middle fingers, with your thumb on the plunger underneath.
  • Close one nostril by gently pressing the side of your nose (the side you are not spraying).
  • Insert the nozzle into the open nostril, tilting your head slightly forward.
  • Breathe in gently through the open nostril, and at the same time firmly press the plunger with your thumb until you hear a click — this releases the full dose.
  • Keep your head tilted forward for around 10 seconds after the spray to allow the medication to absorb. Avoid sniffing or blowing your nose immediately afterwards.
  • Discard the used device safely — each device is for single use only.

Important application tips:

  • Use the spray in only one nostril — splitting the dose between both nostrils reduces absorption
  • Do not tilt your head back — this may cause the spray to drip down the throat
  • Do not press the plunger before insertion — this will release the dose into the air and waste it
  • Avoid eating, drinking, or sniffing for a few minutes after use
  • Rest in a quiet, dark room if possible to support recovery

Common Side Effects
Most side effects of Zomig Nasal Spray are mild and short-lived, typically lasting only a few hours. Some side effects are specific to the nasal route, while others reflect the systemic action of zolmitriptan:

Nasal-specific side effects:

  • Bad or unusual taste in the mouth (very common)
  • Nasal irritation, burning, or stinging
  • Nosebleed (epistaxis)
  • Discomfort or numbness in the nose or throat
  • Runny or blocked nose

Systemic ("triptan") side effects:

  • Sensations of warmth, heaviness, pressure, or tightness — particularly in the chest, throat, jaw, or limbs (often called "triptan sensations" — these are usually harmless but can be alarming)
  • Tingling or pins and needles
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Flushing or feeling hot
  • Mild muscle pain or stiffness

Less common but possible side effects:

  • Increased blood pressure (transient)
  • Palpitations or fast heartbeat
  • Visual disturbances
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Sweating

Rare but important side effects (seek urgent medical attention):

  • Chest pain, tightness, or heaviness that is severe or persistent — could indicate cardiac ischaemia
  • Signs of stroke — sudden weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss
  • Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash
  • Serotonin syndrome — agitation, confusion, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor (especially when combined with SSRIs/SNRIs)
  • Seizures

Stop using Zomig Nasal Spray and seek urgent medical attention if you experience any severe or unusual reaction, especially involving the chest or signs of stroke.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use
To get the best results from Zomig Nasal Spray while minimising side effects:

  • Use at the first sign of headache pain — not during aura, and not after the migraine is fully established
  • Use only in one nostril for each dose
  • Tilt your head slightly forward during use to maximise nasal absorption
  • Avoid sniffing or blowing your nose immediately after use
  • Limit use to ≤10 days per month to avoid medication overuse headache
  • Keep a headache diary to track frequency, severity, and treatment response
  • Discuss preventive treatment with a clinician if you have more than 4 migraine days per month, or if you have cluster headaches

Consider non-pharmacological measures alongside (rest, hydration, dark/quiet room, cold compress)

Important Precautions
Cardiovascular safety: Like all triptans, zolmitriptan causes mild vasoconstriction, which is the basis of its action against migraine but also the reason it is contraindicated in people with cardiovascular disease. Before prescribing zolmitriptan to anyone over 40 or with cardiovascular risk factors, clinicians will typically assess:

  • Blood pressure
  • Personal and family cardiovascular history
  • Cholesterol and diabetes status
  • Smoking history
  • If you experience chest pain, tightness, or breathlessness after using Zomig Nasal Spray — particularly if it is severe or persistent — seek urgent medical attention.

Drug interactions: Important interactions include:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — contraindicated; do not use within 2 weeks of stopping an MAOI
  • Cimetidine — increases zolmitriptan levels significantly; maximum daily dose of 5mg if used together
  • Fluvoxamine and quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin) — can also increase zolmitriptan levels; maximum daily dose of 5mg
  • Other triptans or ergotamine — do not combine within 24 hours
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs — risk of serotonin syndrome; use with caution
  • Lithium — risk of serotonin syndrome
  • St John's Wort — increases serotonin syndrome risk; avoid concurrent use
    Always inform your clinician about all medications and supplements you take.

Nasal conditions: Chronic nasal conditions — such as rhinitis, sinusitis, polyps, or recent nasal surgery — can affect absorption of the spray and may make it less reliable. Discuss with your clinician if you have any of these conditions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Zomig Nasal Spray is not generally recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. If used while breastfeeding, manufacturers advise discarding breast milk for 24 hours after a dose.

Driving and machinery: Zomig Nasal Spray can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.

Alcohol: Alcohol can worsen migraines and may increase the risk of side effects. It is best avoided during a migraine attack, regardless of whether you have used Zomig.

Medication overuse headache (MOH): Frequent use of any acute migraine treatment — including triptans — can paradoxically lead to more headaches. Limit use to fewer than 10 days per month, and discuss preventive treatment options if your attacks are frequent.

Verified customer reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Zomig Nasal Spray faster than Imigran Nasal Spray?

    Some studies suggest Zomig Nasal Spray has a slightly faster onset than Imigran Nasal Spray, but in clinical practice the difference is small and individual response varies. Both are significantly faster than oral tablets. If one nasal spray hasn't worked for you, the other is often worth trying.

  • Why does Zomig Nasal Spray taste bad?

    The unpleasant taste occurs because some of the spray drains down the back of the nose into the throat. This is a known and common effect, but it is not harmful. Tilting your head slightly forward (rather than backwards) during use helps reduce this. Sucking a sweet or sipping water afterwards can also help.

  • Can I use Zomig Nasal Spray for cluster headaches?

    Yes — Zomig Nasal Spray is one of the few triptans licensed for acute cluster headache treatment in the UK. Its rapid onset makes it well suited to cluster attacks, which often peak quickly. However, cluster headache management usually also involves preventive treatment under specialist care.

  • Can I use Zomig Nasal Spray during a cold or blocked nose?

    A blocked nose may reduce absorption and effectiveness. If your nose is congested, gently blow it before use. If absorption is unreliable, consider switching temporarily to a tablet, wafer, or sumatriptan injection. Speak to your clinician if cold-related symptoms regularly affect your treatment.

  • Can I use both nostrils for one dose?

    No — the full dose should be delivered into one nostril only. Splitting between both reduces absorption and effectiveness.

  • Can I take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Zomig Nasal Spray?

    Yes — combining zolmitriptan with paracetamol or an NSAID (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) is safe and is sometimes more effective than either alone for severe migraines.

  • Can I drive after using Zomig Nasal Spray?

    Zomig can cause drowsiness or dizziness, particularly during a migraine attack. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you and your migraine has fully resolved.

  • Is Zomig Nasal Spray addictive?

    No, it is not addictive. However, frequent use can lead to medication overuse headache — a condition where headaches paradoxically worsen due to overuse of acute treatments. Limit use to fewer than 10 days per month.

Related treatments

Why go with HEBA?

Why Heba Slide Image

UK-based clinical team

Our specialist clinical team ensure your safety and health. Every treatment is carefully reviewed with treatment provided based on your overall health.

Why Heba Slide Image

Clinically proven treatments, safely prescribed

We are a GPhC registered pharmacy, dispensing medication from MHRA approved facilities. You can rest assured that your medication will always be 100% genuine and authentic.

Why Heba Slide Image

Long term support

We are committed to providing assistance and guidance for your well-being and health, with a focus on long-term health outcomes and holistic support to ensure that you are getting the most from your treatment.

Why Heba Slide Image

Treatment plans personalised to you

We customise your treatment plan to fit your needs and health profile.

Your goals are within reach with HEBA

Get started on your health and wellness journey today

Explore all treatments