Cafergot

Generic name: Ergotamine tartate and caffeine

What is Cafergot?

Cafergot is prescribed for the relief or prevention of vascular headaches—for example, migraine, migraine variants, or cluster headaches.

What is the most important information I should know about Cafergot?

The excessive use of Cafergot can lead to ergot poisoning resulting in symptoms such as headache, pain in the legs when walking, muscle pain, numbness, coldness, and abnormal paleness of the fingers and toes. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to gangrene (tissue death due to decreased blood supply).

Who should not take Cafergot?

Do not take Cafergot if you are allergic to ergotamine tartate, caffeine, or similar drugs.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Cafergot?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Cafergot. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have coronary heart disease, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, an infection, or if you are pregnant. If you experience nausea and vomiting during attacks, making it impossible to hold medication down, your doctor may prescribe rectal suppositories.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Orally

Adults: (Take at the first sign of an attack). The total daily dose for any single attack should not exceed 6 tablets.

Rectally

The maximum dose for an individual attack is 2 suppositories.

The total weekly dose should not exceed 10 tablets or 5 suppositories.

A preventive, short-term dose may be given at bedtime to certain people, but only as prescribed by a doctor.

How should I take Cafergot?

Cafergot is available in both tablet and suppository form. Cafergot works best if you use it at the first sign of a migraine attack and before the headache actually starts.

To use the suppositories, follow these steps:

1. If the suppository feels too soft, leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or put it, still wrapped, in ice water until it hardens.

2. Remove the foil wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water.

3. Lie down on your side and with a finger insert the suppository into the rectum. Hold it in place for a few moments.

What should I avoid while taking Cafergot?

Do not exceed the recommended dosage of Cafergot, especially when Cafergot is used over long periods. Discontinuing Cafergot may produce withdrawal symptoms such as sudden, severe headaches.

Cafergot is effective only for migraine and migraine-type headaches. Do not use it for any other kind of headaches.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Cafergot?

If Cafergot is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cafergot with the following:

Beta-blocker blood pressure medications, such as atenolol and propranolol

Drugs that constrict blood vessels, such as epinephrine or pseudoephedrine

Macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin

Nicotine

What are the possible side effects of Cafergot?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: fluid retention, high blood pressure, itching, nausea, numbness, rapid heart rate, slow heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vomiting, weakness

Signs that your blood vessels are narrowing are bluish tinge to the skin, chest pain, cold arms and legs, gangrene, and muscle pains.

Although these symptoms occur most commonly with long-term therapy at relatively high doses, they have been reported with short-term or normal doses. A few people on long-term therapy have developed heart valve problems.

Can I receive Cafergot if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Cafergot if you are pregnant. Do not breastfeed if you are taking Cafergot.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cafergot?

Take Cafergot only when threatened with an attack.

How should I store Cafergot?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light. Keep suppositories away from heat.