Ergotamine Tartrate + Caffeine

Generic Details

Generic Name

Ergotamine Tartrate Caffeine

Other Names

  • Ergotamine Caffeine
  • Caffergot
  • Ergomar

Drug Class

  • Antimigraine agent
  • Vasoconstrictor

Chemical Formula

C33H35N5O5C4H6O6

Molecular Weight

717.79 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Ergotamine acts as a partial agonist at serotonin receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and decreased inflammation. Caffeine enhances ergotamine's effects.

Indications

  • Migraine headaches

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Sublingual tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 1-2 tablets at the onset of a migraine headache; may repeat after 30 minutes if needed, but not to exceed the maximum daily dose.

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not recommended for pediatric use.

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustment may be necessary in elderly patients.

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness

Contraindications

  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Peripheral vascular disease

Pregnancy Category

  • C - Use with caution

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data available, use with caution

Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole) may increase ergotamine levels and enhance its vasoconstrictive effects.

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Numbness in extremities
  • Chest pain

Antidote for Overdose

  • There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, crosses the placenta and enters breast milk
  • Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Mainly excreted in the urine

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
  • Monitor for signs of peripheral ischemia especially in patients with peripheral vascular disease

Warnings

  • Risk of ergotism (vasoconstriction leading to ischemia) with high doses or prolonged use.

Others

  • Avoid using ergotamine-containing products within 24 hours of using triptans or other vasoconstrictors.