ergotamine

=Ergotamine=

How it works
Helps to constrict the dilated blood vessels in your head, which are causing the pain associated with migraines. //Arterial and venous vasoconstrictors. Act at 5HT1B/1D receptors.//

Questions to Ask
What medications? (CYP3A4) //triptans, other ergot alkaloids, macrolides, azoles, anti-virals// - medical conditions? (vasoconstriction) //severe or uncontrolled hypertension, renal/hepatic impairment (contraindication)// - allergies?

How to take
//Oral//, 1–2 mg as soon as possible after onset, repeat if necessary after 30–60 minutes. //Rectal//, 2 mg as soon as possible after onset, repeat if necessary after 30–60 minutes. //Maximum//, 6 mg daily and 10 mg each week. Minimum interval of 4 days between 24-hour courses. No more than 2 courses each month.

Minimum effective oral dose (1–6 mg) should be established by titration over successive attacks and always taken as a single dose as soon as possible after onse

Side effects
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain, weakness, numbness and tingling, cold extremities

Dependence may occur with overuse resulting in recurrent and/or rebound headaches and subsequent severe withdrawal syndrome (intensifying headache and autonomic disorders). Ergotamine preparations contain caffeine, which may have additional adverse effects.

Other advice?
It is important that you do not take more ergotamine or use it more often than directed; it may cause serious side effects. Stop treatment if symptoms such as numbness, tingling of the fingers or toes, chest pain or shortness of breath occur.

CMI
Cafergot: [|AMH] [|CMI]