Indications
Ergotamine Tartrate is used to stop a migraine attack once it has started, and sometimes for cluster headaches. It is often combined with Caffeine. It is not used to prevent migraine and is not a general painkiller.
How It Works
Ergotamine is an ergot alkaloid. It narrows the widened blood vessels around the brain that are linked with migraine pain and acts on serotonin receptors involved in migraine. Caffeine, when included, helps it get absorbed faster.
Dosage and Administration
Take as prescribed, at the first sign of a migraine. The doctor will set a strict limit for each attack, each day and each week; never go over these limits, because too much ergotamine can cause dangerous narrowing of blood vessels. Do not use it every day or for long periods, as this can cause rebound headaches and ergot poisoning.
Interactions
- Never take with strong CYP3A4 blockers such as Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir and some other HIV medicines; this can cause severe, life-threatening blood vessel spasm.
- Do not take within 24 hours of triptans such as Sumatriptan.
- Beta-blockers such as Propranolol and decongestants may increase blood vessel narrowing.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Heart disease, angina, previous heart attack or stroke, or poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease).
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Severe liver or kidney disease, and severe infection (sepsis).
- Use with the CYP3A4 blockers listed above.
Side Effects
Common: nausea, vomiting, tummy pain, dizziness, and tingling or coldness of fingers and toes. Long or excessive use can cause ergotism: severe narrowing of blood vessels leading to pain, numbness and even gangrene of the limbs.
Get urgent medical help for chest pain, cold, pale or blue fingers or toes, severe leg pain when walking, numbness, confusion, or sudden weakness.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Must not be used in pregnancy, as it can cause contractions of the womb and harm the baby. It passes into breast milk and can harm the infant; do not use while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, including antibiotics and antifungals, before using it.
- Do not use for headaches that are different from your usual migraine.
- Avoid smoking, which further narrows blood vessels.
Overdose
Overdose is dangerous and may cause vomiting, cold and numb limbs, very weak pulses, confusion, fits and coma. Go to hospital immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Antimigraine agent; ergot alkaloid.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.