Drugs & Vitamins

Cafergot Active Ingredients: Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine Representative Names: Cafatine PB, Cafergot, Ercaf, Ergo-Caff, Migergot, Wigraine Available Product Images: What are caffeine; ergotamine tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with caffeine; ergotamine? What side effects may I notice from taking caffeine; ergotamine? What should I watch for while taking caffeine; ergotamine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are caffeine; ergotamine tablets? (Back to top) CAFFEINE; ERGOTAMINE (Cafergot®) is one of a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. Caffeine; ergotamine preparations help to prevent certain kinds of throbbing headaches such as migraine and cluster headaches. This medication should be used as soon as you know a headache is starting. Generic caffeine; ergotamine tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood clots •chest pain •history of heart attacks •heart or blood vessel disease •high blood pressure •high cholesterol •infection •kidney disease •liver disease •lung disease •poor circulation •stroke •tobacco smoker •an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, ergotamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take caffeine; ergotamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply since you only take caffeine; ergotamine tablets when you have a headache. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with caffeine; ergotamine? (Back to top) Do not use any of the following migraine drugs within 24 hours of this medicine: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan. Also, do not use this drug with ergotamine (example: Ergomar®); dihydroergotamine (DHE® or Migranal®); methysergide (Sansert®); ergonovine; or methylergonovine (Methergine®). Caffeine; ergotamine may also interact with: •antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin •antifungal drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole •aprepitant •bromocriptine •cabergoline •cocaine •danazol •ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine®) •herbal products like feverfew or guarana •fluoxetine •fluvoxamine •grapefruit juice •imatinib, STI-571 •medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines or herbal products to decrease weight or appetite •metronidazole •nefazodone •nicotine •some medications for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS •zileuton Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking caffeine; ergotamine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •blurred vision •chest pain or tightness •cold hands or feet •confusion •decrease in the amount of urine passed •difficulty breathing •fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat •fever or chills •itching •leg or arm pain or cramps •seizures •stomach pain •swelling of hands, ankles, or feet •tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands •vomiting •weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •increased urination •nausea What should I watch for while taking caffeine; ergotamine? (Back to top) Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medication. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medicine to treat your migraines. It is important to tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible if you get any of the following side effects: cold, numb, or painful hands or feet; leg cramps when walking; any type of pain around your chest; swelling; itching. Caffeine; ergotamine tablets decrease the circulation of blood to your skin, fingers, and toes. You may get more sensitive to the cold. Elderly patients are more likely to feel this effect. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure to the cold. Because this medicine contains caffeine, you may wish to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages on the days that you use this medicine. Alcohol can make headaches worse or bring on a new headache. Therefore, you should avoid alcoholic drinks. Because smoking can increase side effects of caffeine; ergotamine combinations, you should avoid smoking. If you are going to have any type of surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking caffeine; ergotamine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep container tightly closed. Last Updated:06/10/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.