Cafergot (Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Cafergot

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What is a migraine headache?

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic n...

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Cafergot

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CAFERGOT®
(ergotamine tartrate and caffeine) Tablets, USP

WARNING: Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the coadministration of CAFERGOT® (ergotamine tartrate and caffeine) with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors including protease inhibitors and macrolide antibiotics. Because CYP 3A4 inhibition elevates the serum levels of CAFERGOT® (ergotamine tartrate and caffeine) , the risk for vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities is increased. Hence, concomitant use of these medications is contraindicated (see also CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS section).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Each tablet for oral administration contains 1 mg ergotamine tartrate, USP, and 100 mg caffeine, USP.

ERGOTAMINE TARTRATE:

Ergotaman-3',6',18-trione, 12'-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'-(phenyl-methyl)-,(5' α)-, [R-(R*,R*)]-2,3- dihydroxy-butanedioate (2:1) (salt).

CAFFEINE:

1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-.

Inactive ingredients include acacia, calcium carbonate, compressible sugar, confectioner's sugar (sucrose and corn starch), magnesium stearate, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium starch glycolate, starch (potato), sucrose, synthetic iron oxide, titanium dioxide and other ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of caffeine and ergotamine (Cafergot, Migergot)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using caffeine and ergotamine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
fast or slow heart rate;
muscle pain in your arms or legs;

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What are the precautions when taking ergotamine tartrate and caffeine (Cafergot)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ergotamine or caffeine; or to other ergot alkaloids (e.g., dihydroergotamine) or to other xanthine drugs (e.g., theophylline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blood circulation disease (e.g., peripheral vascular disease such as arteriosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, Raynaud's disease), uncontrolled high blood pressure, nutrient deficiency (malnutrition), heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., coronary artery...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 9/30/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.