Ergotamine is a medicine to relieve or prevent side headaches or migraines . Ergotamine can be found in medicinal products combined with caffeine .
Ergotamine works by affecting serotonin receptors and causing a vasoconstriction effect on blood vessels. This way of working will help relieve migraines.
Ergotamine trademark: Ericaf, Ergotamine Caffeine
What Is Ergotamine?
Group | Prescription drugs |
Category | Ergot alkaloids |
Benefits | Treating one sided headache ( migraine ) |
Consumed by | Adults |
Ergotamine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category X: Studies on experimental animals and humans have shown abnormalities in the fetus or risks to the fetus. Medicines in this category should not be used by women who are or have the possibility of becoming pregnant. This category cannot be used by women who are or have the possibility of becoming pregnant.
Ergotamine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without first consulting your doctor. |
Drug form | Tablets |
Warnings Before Consuming Ergotamine
Ergotamine can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before consuming ergotamine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Ergotamine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Do not consume ergotamine if you suffer from peripheral artery disease , hypertension, coronary heart disease , liver disease, or kidney disease .
- Tell your doctor if you have gone through menopause , suffer from diabetes , anemia, high cholesterol, obesity , or are a heavy smoker.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Ergotamine should not be consumed by pregnant women.
- Do not consume grapefruit during treatment with ergotamine.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after consuming ergotamine, because this drug can cause dizziness .
- Tell your doctor if you are using other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- See a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction , serious side effect, or overdose occurs after consuming ergotamine.
Dosage and Administration of Ergotamine
In general, the dose of ergotamine to treat migraine in adults is 2 mg when the migraine attack starts. The dose can be increased by 2 mg every 30 minutes if needed. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.
How to Consume Ergotamine Correctly
Consume ergotamine as recommended by the doctor and always read the instructions for use on the medicine packaging. Do not reduce or increase the dose without first consulting a doctor.
Ergotamine is more effective when used at the beginning of a migraine attack. This medicine is only consumed when needed and not for long-term treatment.
If you are at risk of developing heart disease, you will undergo a heart examination, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), before treatment begins.
The first dose will generally be given in the hospital to monitor your condition, response to therapy, and possible side effects
Store ergotamine at room temperature and place in a sealed container. Keep this medicine out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.
Ergotamine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the interaction effects that can occur if ergotamine is consumed together with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if consumed with fluvoxamine
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or narrowing of blood vessels if consumed with triptan drugs, beta- blockers , such as propranolol, or azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole
- Increased levels of ergotamine if consumed with macrolide antibiotics, antifungal drugs , or protease inhibitors
Side Effects and Dangers of Ergotamine
Side effects that may arise after consuming ergotamine are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomachache
- Dizziness or headache
- Muscle pain or joint pain
Check with your doctor if the side effects do not subside or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects after consuming ergotamine, such as:
- Irregular , slow, or pounding heartbeats
- Very little urine or infrequent urination
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes
- Increased blood pressure