caffeine and ergotamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

caffeine and ergotamine

Brand name(s):

caffeine-ergotamine, Cafatine, Cafergot, Cafetrate, Ercaf, Migergot, Wigraine

What is the most important information I should know about 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. Some, but not all, of these medications are listed below in the section "What other drugs will affect caffeine and ergotamine?". Do not take any other medications during treatment with caffeine and 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. Do not take caffeine and ergotamine if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Caffeine and ergotamine is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that caffeine and ergotamine can cause harm to an unborn baby. Caffeine and ergotamine can induce uterine contractions, which can result in abortion, and it can restrict blood flow to the fetus.

Do not use more than six tablets or two suppositories per headache. Do not use more than ten tablets or five suppositories in seven days. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

What is caffeine and ergotamine?

Caffeine and ergotamine both cause vasoconstriction (narrowing) of arteries and veins that supply blood to the head.

Caffeine and ergotamine is used to prevent and to treat vascular headaches such as migraine and migraine-like headaches.

Caffeine and ergotamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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. Some, but not all, of these medications are listed below in the section "What other drugs will affect caffeine and ergotamine?". Do not take any other medications during treatment with caffeine and ergotamine without first talking to your doctor. Do not take caffeine and ergotamine without first talking to your doctor if you have:

• peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation;

• arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries";

• high blood pressure;

• heart disease;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or

• a serious infection.

You may not be able to take caffeine and ergotamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not take caffeine and ergotamine if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Caffeine and ergotamine is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that caffeine and ergotamine can cause harm to an unborn baby. Caffeine and ergotamine can induce uterine contractions, which can result in abortion, and it can restrict blood flow to the fetus. Caffeine and ergotamine may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Do not take caffeine and ergotamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.