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What other drugs will affect caffeine and ergotamine?

Some medications may increase the risk of dangerously decreased blood flow to the brain, heart, or extremities when taken with caffeine and ergotamine. In rare but severe cases, gangrene or other serious problems can result. The following drugs should not be taken with caffeine and ergotamine or should be used only under the close supervision of a doctor:

• another medication that contains an ergot compound such as Ergomar, D.H.E., or D.H.E. Nasal;

• another migraine headache medicine such as almotriptan (Axert), sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or naratriptan (Amerge)--these medicines must not be taken within 24 hours of a dose of caffeine and ergotamine;

• a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil);

• a beta-blocker (which are used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and other heart conditions) such as carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), or timolol (Blocadren);

• an HIV/AIDS medicine such as amprenavir (Agenerase), delavirdine (Rescriptor), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase);

• the antibiotics erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, Eryc, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);

• the antifungals medicines itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• nefazodone (Serzone);

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or

• sibutramine (Meridia).

The use of caffeine and ergotamine may be dangerous if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with caffeine and ergotamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about caffeine and ergotamine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Caffeine and ergotamine is available with a prescription under several brand and generic names in tablet and rectal suppository formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.