Ergotamine

Generic name: ergotamine [ er-GOT-a-meen ]
Brand name: Ergomar
Dosage form: sublingual tablet (2 mg)
Drug class:Antimigraine agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 10, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ergotamine?

Ergotamine is an ergot alkaloid medicine that is used to treat or prevent a vascular headache (such as a migraine or cluster headache).

Ergotamine is not for daily use and will not treat headache pain. Do not use ergotamine for common tension headaches.

Ergotamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can cause dangerous effects when used with ergotamine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ergotamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• circulation problems such as peripheral vascular disease;

• high blood pressure;

• coronary heart disease (clogged arteries);

• liver or kidney disease; or

• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection).

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with ergotamine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use certain other drugs, such as :

• nefazodone;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;

• antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole;

• antiviral medicine to treat HIV or hepatitis C--boceprevir, cobicistat, dasabuvir, elvitegravir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir; or

• certain cancer medicines--ceritinib, idelalisib, ribociclib, tucatinib;

Using these medicines with ergotamine can decrease blood circulation to your arms or legs. In some people, this has led to permanent tissue damage or amputation.