Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is a serotonin 5-HT₁B/5-HT₁D receptor agonist belonging to the triptan class. Its action is focused on the trigeminovascular system, including intracranial trigeminal nerves and surrounding blood vessels. It stimulates 5-HT₁B receptors on the smooth muscle of intracranial blood vessels, especially those in the dura mater, increasing vascular tone and inducing vasoconstriction. It also stimulates 5-HT₁D receptors at trigeminal nerve terminals, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory and pain-mediating neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P, thereby decreasing neurogenic inflammation and pain transmission.