Ergotamine

Generic name: ergotamine [ er-GOT-a-meen ]
Brand name: Ergomar
Dosage form: sublingual tablet (2 mg)
Drug class: Antimigraine agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 12, 2023.

What is 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.

Related/similar drugs

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.

Before taking this medicine

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,

How should I take ergotamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take ergotamine as soon as migraine symptoms start.

Place a tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. Take 1 tablet every 30 minutes as needed. Do not use more than 3 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use more than 5 tablets in 7 days.

Overuse of migraine medicine can make headaches worse. Call your doctor if your recommended dose doesn't work, or if your headaches get worse.

Do not share ergotamine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Ergotamine dosing information

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".

What happens if I miss a dose?

Ergotamine is used only when needed and does not have a daily dose.

Do not take more than 3 tablets per day or 5 tablets per week.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause drowsiness, vomiting, pounding in your neck or ears, numbness and tingling or pain in your hands or feet, blue-colored fingers or toes, fainting, or seizure.

What should I avoid while taking ergotamine?

Do not take ergotamine within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine. This includes another ergot medicine (dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine) or "triptan" medicine (such as Amerge, Imitrex, Maxalt,or Zomig).

Grapefruit may interact with ergotamine and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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