Ergotamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Ergotamine?

What is the function of Ergotamine?

Ergotamine is a tablet that belongs to the ergot alkaloid drug class. Ergot alkaloids are medicines that can treat headaches.

Generally, this drug is combined with caffeine to treat certain types of headaches that do not work with common painkillers. Therefore, this drug is usually recommended for people who experience migraines and cluster headaches.

This medicine will only be used when the headache you feel doesn't go away and keeps recurring. Also, keep in mind that Ergotamine cannot prevent headaches.

Ergotamine works by changing the size of the blood vessels in the head to become narrower.

This drug is included in the class of prescription drugs so it must be purchased with a doctor's prescription.

How do you use Ergotamine?

Some of the things you should do while using ergotamine are:

• Place one tablet just under your tongue and allow it to dissolve according to your doctor's instructions.
• Do not chew or swallow it immediately. Do not eat and drink during the process of dissolving the tablet in the mouth.
• The dosage is always given based on your health condition and how you respond to therapy using ergotamine.
• This treatment will work optimally if taken as soon as the first signs of headache appear.
• If you wait until the condition worsens, the medicinal properties will not be effective.
• Ergotamine should be consumed as needed.
• This medication is not recommended for long-term use.
• The maximum dose is 3 tablets per 24 hours and 5 tablets in a period of 7 days.
• In these cases, recurrent headaches will often appear if you stop treatment suddenly. These recurrent headaches will be different from the initial headaches you treated and last for a few days. Call your doctor right away if this happens. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Tell your doctor if you notice an increase in the frequency of use of the drug, if the medication is not working well, the pain is getting worse, the frequency of the headaches has increased, or if you are taking this medication for more than two types of headaches in one week. Your doctor will change your prescription and / or add other medicines to prevent headaches.

How to store Ergotamine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ergotamine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Ergotamine for adults?

The usual dosage for adults with migraines

Initial dose: 2 milligrams (mg) placed under the tongue, as soon as the first signs of headache appear.

An additional 2 mg can be taken after 30 minutes of the initial dose if needed. The dose should not exceed 3 tablets (6 mg) in a 24 hour period.

The total dose in one week should not exceed 5 tablets (10 mg). Sublingual ergotamine tablets should not be used daily for chronic headaches.

What is the dose of Ergotamine for children?

The usual dosage for children with migraines

1 mg is placed under the tongue, then 1 mg after 30 minutes of the initial dose if needed. Should not exceed 3 mg / episode.

Ergotamine should not be used in young children and toddlers.

In what dosage is Ergotamine available?

Ergotamine is available in the following dosages:

• Tablet, sublingual, as tartrate: 2 mg

Ergotamine side effects

What side effects can be experienced because of Ergotamine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ergotamine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Headache, confusion, visual disturbances, speech, or sudden loss of balance
• Heart rhythm becomes fast or slow
• Pain in the muscles of the hands or feet
• Limp legs
• Numbness or a tingling sensation and discoloration, turning, or turning blue, in the fingers and toes
• Severe pain in the stomach or lower back
• Difficulty defecating
• Swelling or itching in the body
• Cough that makes chest pain and makes it difficult to breathe
• Serious high blood pressure (acute headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythm, seizures)

Other side effects include:

• Dizziness, feeling like spinning
• Weak
• Nauseous vomit; or
• Moderate itching

Not everyone experiences the side effects that have been mentioned. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ergotamine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Ergotamine?

There are several things you should pay attention to and do before using this drug, including:

• Do not use ergotamine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Do not use this medication if you have an allergy to ergotamine or other ergot alkaloid drugs.
• Do not use this medication if you have a history of heart disease, angina, circulatory disorders, a history of heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, chronic liver problems, kidney problems, or serious infections.
• Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, from prescription drugs to non-prescription drugs, herbal medicines to multivitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are a smoker.
• Tell your doctor if you are menopausal.
• Tell your doctor if you use the birth control pill.
• Tell your doctor if you are overweight or obese.
• Tell your doctor if any of your family members have a history of coronary heart disease.

Is Ergotamine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Research shows that the use of this drug in mothers during pregnancy causes abnormalities in the fetus. It is forbidden to use this drug in pregnant women or who are planning a pregnancy, because the risk can threaten the safety of the fetus and mother.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia, Ergotamine is included risk of pregnancy category X.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Ergotamine can be absorbed in breast milk and can pose a risk to the baby. This drug can also reduce the amount of milk produced. Do not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Ergotamine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Ergotamine?

Ergotamine interactions with other drugs can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of side effects. Do not take this drug if you are currently taking any of the following medicines:

• conivaptan (Vaprisol), imatinib (Gleevec), isoniazid (for TB therapy), or nefazodone (an antidepressant drug)
• diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Solareze)
• clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or telithromycin (Ketek)
• clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), or voriconazole (Vfend)
• Medicines related to heart disease or blood pressure disorders, eg
  • diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)
  • nicardipine (Cardene)
  • quinidine (Quin-G)
  • verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); or
• Medicines related to HIV / AIDS, such as:
  • atazanavir (Reyataz)
  • delavirdine (Rescriptor)
  • fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
  • indinavir (Crixivan)
  • nelfinavir (Viracept)
  • saquinavir (Invirase
  • Fortovase or ritonavir (Norvir)

Can food or alcohol interact with Ergotamine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Ergotamine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Coronary heart disease (or risk factors including diabetes, menopause, smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a genetic coronary heart disease in your family medical history, men over 40 years old, women who have had a hysterectomy)

Ergotamine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

This medication is only taken by mouth if you need it. However, still pay attention to the rules of drinking in a day, do not exceed the recommended dose

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.