Ergotamine Tartrate W/Caffeine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (er-GOT-uh-meen/KAF-een)
Ergotamine Tartrate W/Caffeine Oral Uses
This combination medication is used to treat or prevent a certain type of headache (vascular headaches such as migraine headaches and cluster headaches). Ergotamine helps narrow widened blood vessels in the head, which reduces the throbbing effects of vascular headaches. Caffeine increases the effects of ergotamine by increasing the absorption of ergotamine and also by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head.
How To Use Ergotamine Tartrate W/Caffeine Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is taken as the first signs of the headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
This medication usually should be taken only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use. The maximum dose is 6 tablets for a single headache attack and 10 tablets in any 7-day period.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time (more than a few weeks) or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, "rebound headaches" may occur. This headache may be different from your original headache and may last a few days. Report any such headaches to your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, the medication not working as well, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.
