Ergotamine/Caffeine (By Mouth)

Caffeine (kaf-EEN), Ergotamine (er-GOT-a-meen)

Treats or prevents migraine and cluster headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Cafergot, Wigraine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ergotamine or caffeine, or if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not use this medicine if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, blood vessel disorders, or problems with circulation.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine works best if you take it at the first sign of a migraine headache. The medicine is usually taken as 2 tablets at the first sign of a migraine, followed by 1 tablet every half-hour, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Do not use more than 6 tablets for one headache, or 10 tablets in one week.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in its original container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using dopamine (Intropin®), sibutramine (Meridia®), antibiotics (such as Biaxin®, Dynabac®, Ery-Tab®), blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, Inderal®, Toprol®), medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Rescriptor®, Sustiva®, Viracept®), or other medicines to treat migraine headaches (Amerge®, Imitrex®, Maxalt®, Zomig™).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate).
• Smoking may make your headaches worse or increase the side effects of this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a stomach ulcer, glaucoma, or history of a stroke.
• If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
• Pain or discomfort behind your breastbone
• Skin rash, swelling, or itching
• Vomiting, numbness, tingling feeling, or pain and blue discoloration of your hands and feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
• Nervousness, irritability, dizziness
• Weakness in your legs

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.