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

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Cafergot

Prescription Migraine Medications »

Migraine medications overview

Migraine is a serious, potentially life-threatening neurological disease that affects nearly 32 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. The hallmark symptom of migraine is an escalating, often unbearable, debilitating headache that is commonly described as intense throbbing or pulsating pain in one area of the head. The pain may be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. In some people, migraines are preceded by visual disturbances known as auras that may include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blindness.

Migraine medications do not cure migraines. Instead, migraine drugs treat the symptoms using one of two approaches. Some migraine drugs relieve symptoms. Other migraine drugs are used to prevent a migraine attack.

Many migraine sufferers rely on simple pain relievers to get through an attack. These range from over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen to an...

Read the Prescription Migraine Medications article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Cafergot User Reviews >>

Cafergot

View the Headaches and Migraines Slideshow Pictures

A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow Pictures

Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Migraines Quiz

font size

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;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Cafergot »

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...

Read All Potential Precautions of Cafergot »

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