Imitrex vs. Zomig
See how Imitrex and Zomig compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Imitrex and Zomig are both triptans used to stop a migraine attack once it starts, not to prevent future attacks.
Imitrex comes as a tablet, injection, or nasal spray, while Zomig comes as a tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, or nasal spray.
Imitrex's injectable form is also approved for cluster headache, a use Zomig does not have.
Imitrex vs. Zomig Drug Summary
Imitrex
Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a triptan that narrows blood vessels in the brain to relieve migraine pain. It treats acute migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults, and its injectable form is also used for cluster headache. The tablet is taken at the first sign of a migraine, with a repeat dose allowed after two hours if needed.
Zomig
Zomig (zolmitriptan) is a triptan that works the same way, narrowing brain blood vessels to ease migraine pain. It treats acute migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults, but it is not approved for cluster headache. It comes as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, or a nasal spray, taken at the first sign of a migraine.
Imitrex vs. Zomig Side Effects
Imitrex
Zomig
Imitrex vs. Zomig Dosage
Imitrex
Zomig
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Repeat dose, max 200mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Imitrex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Repeat dose, max 200mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Zomig
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Imitrex vs. Zomig Indications
Imitrex
Imitrex is FDA-approved for the acute treatment of migraine attacks in adults, with or without aura. The injectable form is also approved for cluster headache, a severe pain condition distinct from migraine. It is not intended for daily prevention of migraines.
Acute migraine attacks with or without aura
Cluster headache (injection form only)
Available as tablet, injection, or nasal spray
Not approved for migraine prevention
Zomig
Zomig is FDA-approved for the acute treatment of migraine attacks in adults, with or without aura. It is not approved for cluster headache or for preventing migraines before they start. It comes in three forms, giving patients options based on how quickly they need relief.
Acute migraine attacks with or without aura
Available as tablet, ODT, or nasal spray
Not approved for cluster headache
Not approved for migraine prevention
Imitrex vs. Zomig Pros and Cons
Imitrex
Imitrex has the longest history of use among triptans and is available as a tablet, injection, or nasal spray, giving flexibility based on how fast relief is needed. The injectable form is also approved for cluster headache, a use unique to this drug. As a long-established generic, it tends to be consistently stocked by pharmacies.
Pros
Longest-established triptan, in use since 1992
Only triptan form approved for cluster headache (injection)
Available as tablet, injection, or nasal spray
Generic widely available and consistently stocked
Cons
Higher rate of chest pressure sensations reported
No orally disintegrating tablet option
Tablets not recommended for anyone under 18
Repeat dosing requires waiting at least 2 hours
Zomig
Zomig has a shorter half-life than many triptans, so it clears the body more quickly. It is available as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, or a nasal spray, which lets patients choose an option that does not require water. It is not approved for cluster headache or for daily migraine prevention.
Pros
Orally disintegrating tablet dissolves without water
Nasal spray option for faster absorption
Shorter half-life may mean quicker clearance from the body
Available in a wider range of doses (1.25 mg to 5 mg)
Cons
Higher reported rates of asthenia, nausea, and dizziness
Not approved for cluster headache
Tablet and ODT forms not approved under age 12
Requires dose adjustment when taken with cimetidine
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.