Formulation and evaluation of zolmitriptan nasal spray for rapid migraine relief

Background: Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder with severe headaches, nausea, and photophobia. Oral triptans like zolmitriptan can be effective but may have delayed onset due to gastric stasis. Nasal delivery bypasses the gut, providing rapid relief. Objective: To formulate and evaluate a zolmitriptan nasal spray for the quick treatment of acute migraine, focusing on rapid drug release and onset of action. Methods: Zolmitriptan nasal spray formulations used different polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, or chitosan) as viscosity modifiers. They were characterized for pH, viscosity, spray content uniformity, in vitro drug diffusion through the nasal membrane, and drug-excipient compatibility (FTIR). A UV spectrophotometric method quantified the drug after constructing a calibration curve of zolmitriptan in pH 5.8 buffer. Results: All formulations had pH 5.5–6.0 suitable for nasal mucosa, with uniform drug content. FTIR confirmed drug-excipient compatibility. In-vitro diffusion showed chitosan formulation (F3) released about 20% of drug in 5 min and 61.86% in 85 min, much faster than HPMC or MC formulations. This rapid release correlated with quicker action. The spray delivered about 0.15 mL per actuation with consistent dosing. Conclusion: A zolmitriptan nasal spray with chitosan as a mucoadhesive polymer provides rapid drug release, achieving significant drug diffusion within minutes. This formulation offers a promising approach for quick relief in acute migraine, potentially benefiting patients who require a rapid onset of effect and those with migraine-induced gastric stasis. The nasal route thus combines the efficacy of zolmitriptan with an improved delivery profile for managing acute migraine.