Ergotamine

Dosage Forms Available

• Ergotamine can be taken via the oral route (tablets and sublingual tablets), via the rectal route (as suppositories) and through intranasal administration (nasal spray).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Ergotamine is recommended for use in adults and children aged 12 years or older.

Contraindications

• Ergotamine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids.

• It is also contraindicated in patients with peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, and uncontrolled hypertension.

• Patients suffering from sepsis should avoid using Ergotamine.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Ergotamine may interact with antifungal agents (such as ketoconazole and itraconazole), antibiotics (like erythromycin and clarithromycin), and HIV medications (such as ritonavir and nelfinavir).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Ergotamine may cause severe nausea and vomiting, altered mental status, including confusion and agitation, cold or painful extremities, chest pain, and seizures. If you observe any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.

• If you miss a dose of Ergotamine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never double up doses to makeup for the missed dose.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Keeping yourself hydrated may help manage nausea and vomiting.

• Resting in a quiet, dark room may help manage throbbing headaches.

• A warm bath or heat pad can help manage muscle cramps.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Ergotamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, it is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Ergotamine should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless recommended by your doctor.

• It is advised to consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with liver or kidney impairment should use Ergotamine with caution, as it can exacerbate these conditions.

• Caution should also be exercised in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, history of stroke or seizures, and elderly patients.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

• It is recommended to avoid potential migraine triggers such as skipping meals, lack of sleep, stress, and certain foods and beverages like caffeine, alcohol, aged cheeses, and chocolate.

• Practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.