Ergotamine: Drug Information

Generic Name: Ergotamine

Brand Name: Migranil, Migril, Psygrain, Vasograin

Drug Class: Antimigraine Drug

Uses of Ergotamine:

Ergotamine is used in the treatment of cluster headaches and migraines. It helps treat severe pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

Indications and Dosage:

Ergotamine is available in the form of tablets and can betake when you sense the onset of a migraine attack. Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor and lie down in a darkened room and relax. Do not go out in the cold after taking this medicine.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Ergotamine if you are hypersensitive to it.

This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from hypertension, vascular and vulvular disease, septic condition, collagen disease or fibrotic conditions.

Safety of this drug has not yet been established during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, you must not take it f you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to patients diagnosed with kidney or liver disease, chronic pulmonary disease or circulatory problem.

Drug interactions of Ergotamine:

It has been observed that concomitant with sympathomimetic agents such as adrenaline enhances the vasoconstrictor effects of Ergotamine. Smoking and intake of beta blockers can increase the risk of vascular occlusion. Oral contraceptives should not be used with this medicine as they increase the risk of thrombosis. Erythromycin increases plasma concentration of ergotamine.

Side effects of Ergotamine:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication are fatigue, muscle cramps, rigidity, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, gangrene, hypertension, angina type pain, bradycardia, transient tachycardia, gastro intestinal disturbances, numbness and tingling sensation and severe peripheral vasoconstriction.

Overdose:

Overdose of this medicine can result in ergot poisoning accompanied by drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stupor, tingling, shock, numbness, hypertension, hypotension or coma. In case of an overdose, it is essential for you to notify your doctor or contact the local poison control center.

ripheral vascular disease or poor circulation;

arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries";

high blood pressure;

heart disease;

liver disease;

kidney disease; or

a serious infection.