What is this medication for?
Ergotamine and caffeine are used together for the treatment of migraine headache. Ergotamine works by constricting (narrowing) blood vessel walls in the head, relieving dilation (widening) of blood vessels that causes the pain of migraine headaches. Caffeine helps the ergotamine to be absorbed into the bloodstream more effectively and enhances the constrictive effect.
The tablets are most effective if taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. They are not effective for other types of headache. Relief is often obtained within one-half hour of taking the medication. Extra medication may be required if relief is not obtained within one-half hour (see maximum doses).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Migergot® is available as:
- suppository (rectal)
- 2 mg of ergotamine and 100 mg of caffeine
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Tablets - adults and adolescents 12 years and over: The recommended initial adult dose is 2 tablets at the first sign of a headache followed by 1 tablet after each one-half hour that the headache is not relieved. If it is found that more that 2 tablets are needed to relieve the headache, 3 tablets can be used as an initial dose for the next headache. Do not take more than 6 tablets for a migraine attack or 10 tablets within 7 days.
Suppositories - adults and adolescents 12 years and over: The recommended initial adult dose is 1 suppository at the first sign of a headache followed by 1 suppository in 1 hour if needed. Do not use more than 2 suppositories for a migraine attack or 5 within 7 days. If the suppositories are soft, chill them in the refrigerator before opening the foil.
Do not use this medication to prevent migraines.
If a different medication for migraine is required, wait at least six to eight hours before the using any ergotamine- or dihydroergotamine-containing medications. Wait at least 24 hours before using sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Store tablets and suppositories at room temperature.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Ergotamine - caffeine should not be taken by anyone who:
- has a known sensitivity or allergy to ergotamine or any other ingredient
of the medication
- has blood circulation disorders (peripheral vascular disease)
- has a history of coronary artery disease
- has severe high blood pressure
- has reduced liver or kidney function
- has a septic (internal infection) condition
- is or may become pregnant
- is taking the following medications:
- protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir)
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin)
- antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)