Zolmitriptan binds with high affinity to human 5-HT<sub>1B</sub> and 5-HT<sub>1D</sub> receptors leading to cranial blood vessel constriction. Current theories proposed to explain the etiology of migraine headache suggest that symptoms are due to local cranial vasodilatation and/or to the release of sensory neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide) through nerve endings in the trigeminal system. The therapeutic activity of zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraine headache can most likely be attributed to the agonist effects at the 5HT1B/1D receptors on intracranial blood vessels (including the arterio-venous anastomoses) and sensory nerves of the trigeminal system which result in cranial vessel constriction and inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide release. (en)
Islam Aminul, Bhar Chandan, Katam Sahadev, "Process for preparing optically pure zolmitriptan." U.S. Patent US20050245585, issued November 03, 2005. (en)