Ergotamine: how to take it safely
Cafergot
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats severe migraine attacks that other medicines do not help.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water at the first sign of a migraine.
When to take it
Take it when the migraine starts. Do not exceed the limits your doctor set per attack and per week.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Taking more than the limits your doctor set.
- Pregnancy.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Erythromycin, clarithromycin, azole antifungals and HIV medicines, which can cause dangerous side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or poor circulation.
Possible side effects
Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tingling.
Get help if
Cold, numb or painful fingers or toes, chest pain, or severe headache: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.