Caffeine ergotamine treats or prevents migraine and cluster headaches. These conditions can cause debilitating pain, nausea, irritability and temporary loss of sight. This medication comes in a tablet form that you can take with a glass of water as directed.
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ERGOTAMINE; CAFFEINE (er GOT a meen; KAF een) treats migraines. It works by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It is a combination of an ergot alkaloid and caffeine. It is not used to prevent migraines.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cafergot
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
This does not apply. This medication should only be taken at the first sign of a migraine. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
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This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Check with your care team if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medication. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medication to treat your migraines.
This medication decreases the circulation of blood to your skin, fingers, and toes. You may get more sensitive to the cold. People older than 65 years are more likely to feel this effect. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure to the cold.
This medication contains caffeine. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages on the days that you use this medication.
If you take migraine medications for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medication use. Contact your care team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.