Caffeine and ergotamine (oral/rectal)

Generic name: caffeine and ergotamine (oral/rectal) [ KAF-een-and-er-GOT-a-meen ]
Brand names: Cafergot, Migergot, Wigraine, Cafetrate, Ercaf, Cafatine
Dosage forms: oral tablet (100 mg-1 mg); rectal suppository (100 mg-2 mg)
Drug class:Antimigraine agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 6, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is caffeine and ergotamine?

Caffeine is a stimulant that causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction). Ergotamine is an ergot alkaloid (ER-got AL-ka-loid) that works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain.

Caffeine and ergotamine is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent a migraine type headache.

This medication will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Caffeine and ergotamine should not be used to treat common tension headaches or any headache that seems to be different from your usual migraine headaches.

Caffeine and ergotamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Some medicines can cause a dangerous decrease in blood flow when used with caffeine and ergotamine. A severe decrease in blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body can lead to dangerous side effects.

You should not use caffeine and ergotamine if you have coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, circulation problems, liver or kidney disease, or sepsis.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Do not use if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to caffeine or ergotamine, or if you have:

• coronary heart disease;

• high blood pressure;

• blood circulation problems;

• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection);

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Many drugs can cause a dangerous decrease in blood flow when used with caffeine and ergotamine. A severe decrease in blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body can lead to dangerous side effects. Some drugs should not be used together with caffeine and ergotamine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• zileuton;

  ...