Zolmitriptan

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Cat Number

API0231613

CAS Number

139264-17-8

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Advanced Innovations Customer Q&A

CAS Number

139264-17-8

EINECS

629-919-0

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Zomigoro; 311C90; AscoTop; zolmitriptanum; Cvt-427

Molecular Formula

C16H21N3O2

Molecular Weight

287.36

Smiles

CN(C)CCC1=CNC2=C1C=C(C=C2)C[C@H]3COC(=O)N3

Appearance

White to off-white powder

Melting Point

136-141℃

Boiling Point

563.3±38.0℃ (Predicted)

Relative Density

1.217±0.06 (Predicted)

General Description

Zolmitriptan is a second-generation triptan approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. The drug has high oral bioavailability and good central nervous system penetration due to its lipophilic nature.

Mechanism of Action

Zolmitriptan is a selective agonist at serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. Activation of 5-HT1B receptors on cerebral blood vessels causes vasoconstriction of dilated intracranial arteries, relieving the vascular component of migraine. Activation of 5-HT1D receptors on trigeminal nerve terminals inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides such as CGRP and substance P. The drug also reduces transmission in the trigeminocervical complex.

Application

Zolmitriptan is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine headaches in adults, with efficacy established for pain relief and resolution of associated symptoms (nausea, photophobia, phonophobia).

In a 6‑ to 12‑month open‑label study, 335 patients treated 5963 migraine attacks with M207, an investigational microneedle patch delivering intracutaneous zolmitriptan. Most participants (96%) experienced at least one adverse event, the vast majority being mild application‑site reactions (erythema, swelling, bleeding). Only 4% withdrew due to adverse events. Pain freedom at 2 hours was achieved in 44% of attacks, and pain relief in 81%. Efficacy and safety profiles were consistent with the earlier single‑attack ZOTRIP trial. The authors conclude M207 is well tolerated for long‑term, repeated migraine treatment.

Fig. 1 Key Efficacy Outcomes. (Nahas SJ, et al., 2021)

References

Nahas SJ, et al. Long term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intracutaneous zolmitriptan (M207) in the acute treatment of migraine. J Headache Pain. 2021;22(1):37.

Using Franz cells, zolmitriptan permeation from titanium microprojection arrays was evaluated across three models: full‑thickness human skin, dermatomed human skin, and a synthetic hydrophobic membrane (Strat‑M). Only 11% of the coated dose permeated through the synthetic membrane, whereas 85% permeated through dermatomed skin. Full‑thickness skin gave a significantly different absorption profile and time to maximum flux. Dermatomed skin is likely the most accurate predictor of in vivo performance for drug‑coated microneedle arrays.

Fig. 2 Adhesive Dermally Applied Microarray (ADAM) zolmitriptan. (Ameri M, et al., 2018)

References

Ameri M, et al. Effect of Skin Model on In Vitro Performance of an Adhesive Dermally Applied Microarray Coated with Zolmitriptan. J Pharm (Cairo). 2018;2018:7459124.

Does Zolmitriptan require protection from light during long-term storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. UV light can cause photodegradation and formation of the N-oxide impurity. Store in light-resistant, tightly sealed containers.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Zolmitriptan?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid temperatures above 30°C, which can accelerate oxidative degradation of the indole ring.

Is Zolmitriptan hygroscopic, and how is this managed?

It exhibits low hygroscopicity. Under high humidity (>70% RH), it may absorb minimal moisture but remains chemically stable. Storage with desiccant is optional.

How is the impurity zolmitriptan N-oxide monitored during stability?

This oxidative degradation product is quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC method, ensuring it remains below ICH qualification thresholds.