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| Pronunciation |
|
 (er
GOT a
meen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Cafergot®; Ergomar®;
Wigraine® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Ergot Derivative |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
If you have an allergy to ergotamine or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, heart
disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, leutic arteritis, liver disease,
malnutrition, poor blood flow to the legs, Raynaud's disease, severe itching,
stomach/small intestine ulcers, or thromboangiitis obliterans.
If you have a severe infection.
If you are taking any of these medicines: Amprenavir, nelfinavir,
ritonavir, or sibutramine.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
If you are breast-feeding. |
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat migraine
headaches. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Ergotamine squeezes certain blood vessels in the brain preventing
irritation and inflammation. |
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|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Place sublingual tablet on tongue at the first sign of attack and let
dissolve.
Take another dose 30 minutes after the first one, if needed. Separate
doses by at least 30 minutes. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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This medicine is taken on an as needed
basis. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Avoid caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake.
May increase absorption of ergotamine.
Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while
taking this medicine. |
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in
thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects
you.
Headache. May come back after going away.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help. |
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|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
Severe dizziness or passing out.
Difficulty breathing.
Severe headache.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Weakness.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from heat.
Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
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| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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