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What is ergotamine?
Ergotamine affects vasoconstriction (narrowing of arteries and veins that supply blood to the head). Ergotamine is also involved in altering blood flow patterns that are associated with vascular headaches. Ergotamine is used to prevent and to treat vascular headaches such as migraine and cluster headaches. Ergotamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of ergotamine?
Stop taking ergotamine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience.
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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chest pain;
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numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes;
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muscle pain in the arms or legs;
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leg weakness;
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changes in heart rate;
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swelling; or
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itching.
Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take ergotamine and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or vomiting.
Ergotamine may be habit forming when used for long periods of time. Larger doses may be needed for headache relief, and withdrawal effects may occur when treatment with ergotamine is stopped.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
How should I take ergotamine?
Take ergotamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Use the first dose of ergotamine at the first sign of a headache. Place a tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Another tablet can be taken in 30 minutes if needed. A third tablet, if necessary, can be taken 30 minutes after the second. Do not take more than three tablets in a 24-hour period. Do not take more than five tablets in 7 days. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
What is the most important information I should know about ergotamine?
Some medications may increase the risk of dangerously decreased blood flow to the brain, heart, or extremities when taken with ergotamine. In rare but severe cases, gangrene or other serious problems can result. Some, but not all, of these medications are listed below in the section "What other drugs will affect ergotamine?". Do not take any other medications during treatment with ergotamine without first talking to your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes; chest pain; weakness of the legs; muscle pain in the arms or legs; pain in the chest; changes in heart rate; swelling or itching.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since ergotamine is taken on an as-needed basis, missing a dose is not usually a problem.
What other drugs will affect ergotamine?
Some medications may increase the risk of dangerously decreased blood flow to the brain, heart, or extremities when taken with ergotamine. In rare but severe cases, gangrene or other serious problems can result. The following drugs should not be taken with 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), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or naratriptan (Amerge)--these medicines must not be taken within 24 hours of a dose of ergotamine;
Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Ergotamine has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. Ergotamine may cause fetal harm by provoking uterine contractions. Animal studies have also revealed an increased risk of fetal wastage and growth retardation. A number of case reports have suggested that ergotamine may cause a variety of congenital malformations in humans. Ergotamine use is considered contraindicated during pregnancy.
Ergotamine is excreted into human milk. Vomiting, diarrhea and convulsions have been reported in nursing infants. Ergotamine is considered contraindicated during breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known or suspected pregnancy.
- Concomitant therapy with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors. (See Interactions.)
- Peripheral vascular disease, CHD, or hypertension.
- Impaired hepatic or renal function.
- Sepsis.
- Known hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids or any ingredient in the formulation.
What does my medication look like?
Ergotamine is available with a prescription under the brand names Ergostat and Ergomar. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Ergostat 2 mg--sublingual, orange tablets Ergomar 2 mg-round, green tablets
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an ergotamine overdose include nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle pain, numbness in your fingers or toes, gangrene, itching, confusion, drowsiness, convulsions, and possibly death.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ergotamine?
Some medications may increase the risk of dangerously decreased blood flow to the brain, heart, or extremities when taken with ergotamine. In rare but severe cases, gangrene or other serious problems can result. Some, but not all, of these medications are listed below in the section "What other drugs will affect ergotamine?". Do not take any other medications during treatment with ergotamine without first talking to your doctor. Do not take ergotamine without first talking to your doctor if you have:
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you are taking an analgesic for pain and you are no longer experiencing the pain you may stop using the medication. In general, pain medications are to be used on an as needed basis.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Where can I get more information?
More Information
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