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CYP 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g. Macrolide Antibiotics and Protease Inhibitors)

Coadministration of ergotamine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as protease inhibitors or macrolide antibiotics has been associated with serious adverse events; for this reason, these drugs should not be given concomitantly with ergotamine (See CONTRAINDIATIONS). While these reactions have not been reported with less potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors, there is a potential risk for serious toxicity including vasospasm when these drugs are used with ergotamine. Examples of less potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors include: saquinavir, nefazodone, fluconazole, fluoxetine, grapefruit juice, fluvoxamine, zileuton, metronidazole, and clotrimazole. These lists are not exhaustive, and the prescriber should consider the effects on CYP 3A4 of other agents being considered for concomitant use with ergotamine.

Fibrotic Complications

There have been a few reports of patients on ergotamine tartrate and caffeine therapy developing retroperitoneal and/or pleuropulmonary fibrosis. There have also been rare reports of fibrotic thickening of the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and/or pulmonary valves with long-term continuous use of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine. Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® Sublingual Tablets should not be used for chronic daily administration. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

General

Although signs and symptoms of ergotism rarely develop even after long term intermittent use of the drug, care should be exercised to remain within the limits of recommended dosage. Ergotism is manifested by intense arterial vasoconstriction, producing signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular ischemia. Ergotamine induces vasoconstriction by a direct action on vascular smooth muscle. In chronic intoxication with ergot derivatives, headache, intermittent claudication, muscle pains, numbness, coldness and pallor of the digits may occur. If the condition is allowed to progress untreated, gangrene can result. While most cases of ergotism associated with ergotamine treatment result from frank overdosage, some cases have involved apparent hypersensitivity. There are few reports of ergotism among patients taking doses within the recommended limits or for brief periods of time. In rare instances, patients, particularly those who have used the medication indiscriminately over long periods of time, may display withdrawal symptoms consisting of rebound headache upon discontinuation of the drug.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category X: There are no studies on the placental transfer or teratogenicity of Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®. Ergotamine crosses the placenta in small amounts, although it does not appear to be embryotoxic in this quantity. However, prolonged vasoconstriction of the uterine vessels and/or increased myometrial tone leading to reduced myometrial and placental blood flow may have contributed to fetal growth retardation observed in animals. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Nonteratogenic Effects

Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effects of ergotamine (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Labor and Delivery

Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effect which is maximal in the third trimester. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Nursing Mothers

Ergot drugs are known to inhibit prolactin but there are no reports of decreased lactation with Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®. Ergotamine is excreted in breast milk and may cause symptoms of vomiting diarrhea, weak pulse and unstable blood pressure in nursing infants. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/20/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.