PRODUCT DETAILS
Composition
- Ergotamine tartrate 1 mg
- Caffeine 100 mg
Category / Class
- Antimigraine agent
- Ergot alkaloid + xanthine derivative combination
Use / Indications
Used for:
- Acute migraine attacks
- Migraine variants
- Cluster headaches (“histaminic cephalalgia”)
Mechanism of Action
- Ergotamine constricts dilated blood vessels in the brain and affects serotonin receptors involved in migraine.
- Caffeine enhances absorption and increases the vasoconstrictive effect of ergotamine.
Direction of Use
Typical adult use:
- Take at the first sign of migraine attack.
- Initial dose often:
- Then:
- 1 tablet every 30 minutes if needed
- Maximum:
- 6 tablets per attack
- 10 tablets per week
Important:
- Not for daily or preventive use.
- Use exactly as prescribed to avoid ergot toxicity.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Fast heartbeat
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Increased blood pressure
Serious Side Effects
Seek urgent medical help if patient develops:
- Chest pain
- Severe coldness/numbness in fingers or toes
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Stroke symptoms
- Blue or pale extremities
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
Warnings
Do NOT use in:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- Sepsis or shock
Drug Interactions
Dangerous interactions with:
- Macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Protease inhibitors (ritonavir)
- Azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Triptans (sumatriptan and related drugs)
- Other vasoconstrictors
- Nicotine/smoking increases vasospasm risk
Cautions
- Overuse can cause rebound headaches.
- Long-term excessive use may lead to ergotism (dangerous blood vessel constriction).
- Can reduce blood flow to hands, feet, heart, or brain.
- Avoid smoking while using.
- Use cautiously in elderly patients and those with cardiovascular risk factors.
