ergotamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

ergotamine

Brand name(s):

Ergomar

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. Do not take ergotamine if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Ergotamine is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that ergotamine can cause harm to an unborn baby. Ergotamine can induce uterine contractions, which can result in abortion, and it can restrict blood flow to the fetus.

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 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:

• 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 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 ergotamine if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Ergotamine is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to be very harmful if used during pregnancy. Ergotamine can induce uterine contractions, which can result in abortion, and it can restrict blood flow to the fetus. Ergotamine passes into breast milk and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in a nursing infant. Do not take ergotamine if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Store ergotamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ergotamine is taken on an as-needed basis, missing a dose is not usually a problem.