Ergotamine and Caffeine

The combination of ergotamine and caffeine is used to prevent and treat migraine headaches. Ergotamine is in a class of medications called ergot alkaloids. It works together with caffeine by preventing blood vessels in the head from expanding and causing headaches.

The combination of ergotamine and caffeine comes as a tablet to take by mouth and as a suppository to insert rectally. It is usually taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ergotamine and caffeine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. To use the tablets, follow these steps:

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Take two tablets at the first sign of a migraine.</li>
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Lie down and relax in a quiet, dark room for at least 2 hours.</li>
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If the headache pain does not stop within 30 minutes, take one or two more tablets.</li>
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Take one or two tablets every 30 minutes until the headache pain stops or you have taken six tablets.</li>
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If the headache pain continues after you have taken six tablets, call your doctor. Do not take more than six tablets for one headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.</li>
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Do not take more than six tablets in 24 hours or 10 tablets in 1 week. If you need more, call your doctor.</li></ul> To use the suppositories, follow these steps:

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If the suppository feels soft, place it in ice cold water (before removing foil wrapper) until it hardens.</li>
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Remove the wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water.</li>
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Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)</li>
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Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) in children and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.</li>
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Wash your hands thoroughly; then lie down and relax in a dark, quiet room for at least 2 hours.</li>
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If the headache pain does not stop within 1 hour, insert another suppository.</li>
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If the headache pain continues after you have inserted two suppositories, call your doctor. Do not use more than two suppositories for one headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.</li>
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Do not use more than five suppositories in 1 week. If you need more, call your doctor.</li></ul>

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ergotamine and caffeine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

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nausea</li>
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vomiting</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

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leg weakness</li>
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chest pain</li>
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rapid heartbeat</li>
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slow heartbeat</li>
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dizziness</li>
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muscle pain in the legs or arms</li>
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blue hands and feet</li>
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swelling</li>
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itching</li>
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pain, burning, or tingling in the fingers and toes</li></ul>Ergotamine and caffeine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking ergotamine and caffeine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ergotamine, caffeine, or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: clotrimazole, fluconazole (Diflucan), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), medications for asthma and colds, metronidazole (Flagyl), nefazodone (Serzone), propranolol (Inderal), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), and zileuton (Zyflo). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure; problems with circulation; coronary artery disease; a severe blood infection; or kidney or liver disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

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vomiting</li>
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numbness</li>
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tingling sensation</li>
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pain</li>
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blue hands and feet</li>
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lack of pulse</li>
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dizziness or lightheadedness</li>
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fainting</li>
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drowsiness</li>
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unconsciousness</li>
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coma</li>
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seizures</li></ul>