Do not take ergotamine and caffeine if you are taking antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); clarithromycin (Biaxin); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), and ritonavir (Norvir); or troleandomycin (TAO).
The combination of ergotamine and caffeine is used to prevent and treat migraine headaches. Ergotamine is in a class of medications called ergot alkaloids. It works together with caffeine by preventing blood vessels in the head from expanding and causing headaches.
The combination of ergotamine and caffeine comes as a tablet to take by mouth and as a suppository to insert rectally. It is usually taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ergotamine and caffeine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Take two tablets at the first sign of a migraine.
Lie down and relax in a quiet, dark room for at least 2 hours.
If the headache pain does not stop within 30 minutes, take one or two more tablets.
Take one or two tablets every 30 minutes until the headache pain stops or you have taken six tablets.
If the headache pain continues after you have taken six tablets, call your doctor. Do not take more than six tablets for one headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
Do not take more than six tablets in 24 hours or 10 tablets in 1 week. If you need more, call your doctor.
If the suppository feels soft, place it in ice cold water (before removing foil wrapper) until it hardens.
Remove the wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water.
Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) in children and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
Wash your hands thoroughly; then lie down and relax in a dark, quiet room for at least 2 hours.
If the headache pain does not stop within 1 hour, insert another suppository.
If the headache pain continues after you have inserted two suppositories, call your doctor. Do not use more than two suppositories for one headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
Do not use more than five suppositories in 1 week. If you need more, call your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
nausea
vomiting
leg weakness
chest pain
rapid heartbeat
slow heartbeat
dizziness
muscle pain in the legs or arms
blue hands and feet
swelling
itching
pain, burning, or tingling in the fingers and toes
Ergotamine and caffeine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
vomiting
numbness
tingling sensation
pain
blue hands and feet
lack of pulse
dizziness or lightheadedness
fainting
drowsiness
unconsciousness
coma
seizures
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
If you take large doses of this medication for a long time, you may have a severe headache for a few days after stopping the medication. If the headache lasts for more than a few days, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 08/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.