Ergotamine is a drug used to prevent or treat migraines. This drug is available in tablet form.
Ergotamine will constrict the dilated blood vessels around the brain, thereby relieving headaches in migraine sufferers. In Indonesia, this drug is available in combination with caffeine. In addition to constricting blood vessels, caffeine will also increase the effects of ergotamine.
Trademark: Ericaf, Ergotamine Caffeine
About Ergotamine
| group | Ergot alkaloids |
| Drug Type | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat migraines |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding category | Category X:Drugs that have a high risk of causing permanent defects in the fetus so that they cannot be consumed or used during pregnancy. This medicine may be absorbed into breast milk, so it may have unwanted effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, stop breastfeeding while taking or using this medicine. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning:
- Do not take the drug ergotamine while taking antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) and drugs for HIV (indinavir, ritonavir).
- Consult your doctor if you have an allergy to a certain type of drug, food, or ingredient before using this medicine.
- Inform your doctor if you have or are currently experiencing blood circulation disorders, blood vessel disease, heart, kidney, liver disease, hypertension, and a history of drug abuse.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, driving, or operating machinery that requires extreme vigilance while taking ergotamine. This is because this drug can cause dizziness.
- If you experience an allergic reaction or overdose after taking ergotamine, see your doctor immediately.
Dose Ergotamine
The following is an explanation of the dose of ergotamine. To treat migraines in adults, the doctor will give ergotamine 1 mg tablets with a dose:
- Initial dose for migraine attacks: 2 tablets
- Follow-up dose if pain persists: 1 tablet every 30 minutes.
- The maximum dose is 6 tablets per day.
Taking Ergotamine Correctly
Use ergotamine and caffeine as directed by your doctor. Ergotamine is only taken when needed and is not a drug that can be taken for a long time or every day.
This medication is more effective at the onset of a migraine attack and may not be as effective as the migraine gets worse. Do not share this medicine with other people even if that person has the same symptoms.
Tell your doctor or medical staff if you are using this medicine, before undergoing certain surgeries and medical procedures.
Drug Interaction
The use of ergotamine can cause interactions if used with other drugs. These interactions are in the form of:
- The emergence of serious side effects when taken with other migraine drugs, such as sumatriptan.
- Increased heart rate and the risk of high blood pressure if consumed with drinks containing caffeine.
Recognize the Side Effects and Dangers of Ergotamine
Common side effects of ergotamine are nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, and tingling in the fingers and toes. While serious side effects of ergotamine that require immediate treatment are:
- Weakness in the legs
- Blue hands and feet
- Heart beat
- Chest pain