Ergotamine is used to prevent and treat acute migraine attacks, including their forms with aura.
What is Ergotamine?
Ergotamine helps relieve headaches by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain.
How should Ergotamine be taken?
Ergotamine should be taken orally at the first signs of a migraine attack. If a second dose is required, it should not be taken as soon as 30 minutes after the first dose. Two doses of ergotamine should not be exceeded and it is vital not to take more than three tablets in 24 hours or five tablets in seven days, unless specifically indicated by the doctor. The tablets dissolve under the tongue. They should not be swallowed whole or chewed.
Side effects associated with Ergotamine
Among the possible side effects of ergotamine include the following:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor right away if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest;
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Chest pains
- Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle aches
- Weakness in the limbs
- Cold, numb or tingling hands or feet
- Persistent headache
- Persistent dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Weakness
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Ergotamine
Ergotamine may cause dizziness, which can interfere with the ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery. It can also be aggravated by alcohol.
Before taking Ergotamine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: antifungals, anti-HIV drugs, delavirdine, efavirenz, antibiotics, beta-blockers, zileuton, or sympathomimetic drugs
- You have taken an serotonin agonist 5-HT1 within the last 24 hours
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from other types of headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, porphyria, liver problems, kidney or lung disease, high cholesterol, diabetes or severe infections
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
The drug should not be given to children. It should also be administered with caution in the elderly, who may be more sensitive to its effects.
