Ergotamine

Generic name: Ergotamine
Brand names: Ergomar
Dosage form: sublingual tablet (2 mg)
Drug class: Antimigraine agents

Usage of Ergotamine

Ergotamine is an ergot alkaloid medicine that is used to treat a vascular headache (such as a migraine or cluster headache).

Ergotamine is not for daily use. Do not use ergotamine for common tension headaches.

Ergotamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ergotamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ergotamine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

numbness, tingling, or a pale appearance in your fingers or toes;

muscle pain in your arms or legs;

leg weakness;

fast or slow heartbeats;

chest pain, shortness of breath; or

discoloration or skin changes in your hands or feet.

Common side effects of ergotamine may include:

numbness, tingling, weakness;

dizziness, spinning sensation;

nausea, vomiting; or

swelling or itching in any part of your body.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Ergotamine

You should not use ergotamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

circulation problems such as peripheral vascular disease;

high blood pressure;

coronary heart disease (clogged arteries);

liver or kidney disease; or

sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection).

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with ergotamine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use certain other drugs, such as :

nefazodone;

an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;

antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole;

antiviral medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C--Boceprevir, cobicistat, dasabuvir, elvitegravir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir; or

certain cancer medicines--Ceritinib, idelalisib, ribociclib, tucatinib;

Using these medicines with ergotamine can decrease blood circulation to your arms or legs. In some people, this has led to permanent tissue damage or amputation.

Ergotamine can affect blood circulation to your uterus. Do not use if you are pregnant. Ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use during pregnancy, since having migraine headaches may cause complications in the mother and the baby.

Do not breastfeed while using ergotamine,

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How to use Ergotamine

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine:

Initial dose: 2 mg sublingually at first sign of a migraine attack; may repeat dose at half-hour intervals not to exceed maximum doses Maximum dose: 6 mg/24 hours; 10 mg/7-day period Comments: -This drug should not be used for chronic daily administration. Use: To abort or prevent vascular headaches, such as a migraine, migraine variants, or "histaminic cephalalgia".

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can cause dangerous effects when used with ergotamine.

What other drugs will affect Ergotamine

Many drugs can affect ergotamine, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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