Ergotamine Tartrate Sublingual tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Ergotamine Tartrate Sublingual tablet

Brand name(s):

Ergomar, Ergotamine Tartrate

What is this medicine?

ERGOTAMINE (er GOT a meen) is part of a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It is used to treat vascular headaches or migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• chest pain or difficulty breathing
• heart or blood vessel disease
• high blood pressure
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• poor circulation
• risk factors for heart disease such as smoking
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ergotamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to completely dissolve. Do NOT chew or swallow the tablet. Follow the directions on the prescription label. For best results take this medicine at the start of a migraine headache. Do not take this medicine every day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin
• conivaptan
• grapefruit juice
• herbal supplements with Ephedra, Ma huang, feverfew
• isoproterenol
• medicines for colds, congestion
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
• medicines for migraines or nausea like eletriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• medicines or herbal products to decrease weight or appetite
• other ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine
• some medicines for HIV

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• clotrimazole
• fluconazole
• fluoxetine
• metronidazole
• nefazodone
• nicotine in chewing tobacco, cigarettes
• propanolol
• zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medicine. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medicine to treat your headaches.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine decreases the circulation of blood to your skin, fingers, and toes. You may get more sensitive to the cold. Elderly patients are more likely to feel this effect. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure to the cold.