Description
Generic Name: ergotamine tartrate and caffeine
Drug Class: ergot alkaloid
Cafergot Indications
Cafergot is an oral prescription drug used to prevent or manage vascular headaches. This includes migraine, migraine variants, and cluster headaches. Headache is a type of pain that is usually caused by the widening of blood vessels in the head.
Cafergot Dosage Forms
This is available as Cafergot 100/1 mg tablet.
Cafergot Mechanism of Action
It contains an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent that primarily stimulates the smooth muscles of the cranial and peripheral blood vessels. It produces depressing effects on the central vasomotor centers. Ergotamine is also considered as a serotonin antagonist. In addition, its caffeine component works as a cranial vasoconstrictor. This further enhances vasoconstriction without having to increase the ergotamine dosage.
How to Take Cafergot
Before starting to take Cafergot, it is necessary to read the drug information leaflet or medication guide given by a healthcare professional. Do not take Cafergot or any other medications unless you have understood the uses and directions. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist for further medical advice.
Cafergot tablet is only meant to be taken by mouth and is usually prescribed two tablets at the first sign of a headache and one tablet every half an hour until your headache is relieved. You may administer it with or without a meal.
You should establish a dosing schedule to prevent missing doses. Do not increase or decrease your Cafergot dosage, as it will depend on your overall medical condition and how you respond to the therapy. Remember that you must not take more than six tablets for each headache attack or 10 tablets in a week. This medication should only be used for short-term treatment.
Cafergot Side Effects
Mild & Common Side Effects:
-
- Dizziness
- Spinning sensation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
Severe Side Effects:
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- Irregular heartbeat
- Numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes
- Blue fingers or toes
- Cold extremities
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Changes in urine output
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Trouble speaking
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Vsion changes
Note that this is not a full/complete list of the side effects of Cafergot medication.
Cafergot Warnings and Precautions
Do not take this prescription drug if you have a known allergy to caffeine, ergotamine, ergot alkaloids, or any inactive ingredients the tablet may contain. Make sure to watch for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and neck, severe dizziness, swelling of the lymph nodes, hives, and skin rashes. It is important to stop using this medication as soon as possible if you notice this side effect.
This medication may be contraindicated for people with a history of hemiplegic or basilar migraine, blood circulation problems, heart problems, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, transient ischemic attack, stroke, liver disease, and kidney disease. Due to the possibility of drug interactions, you should mention all of your medications, supplements, and herbal products you take with your doctor. Some of them are triptan medications, beta-blockers, antifungal agents, nitrate, nicotine and protease inhibitors. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to stop or change your medication.
Dizziness and spinning sensation are among the common adverse effects of this medication. Practice safety caution when doing tasks that would need alertness, especially driving. You must also limit your consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Do not smoke, use tobacco or anything that has nicotine while taking this type of drug. Doing so can increase the risk of severe and serious side effects, including decreased blood flow in the brain and extremities and heart problems.
Pregnant moms must not use this medication as it can harm unborn babies. It may be necessary for women to use birth control methods to avoid getting pregnant while using this drug,
Some Cafergot ingredients are known to pass into the breastmilk. Thus, breastfeeding moms are advised not to take this medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider regarding all the risks and all caffeine & ergotamine warnings before taking this medication. It is necessary to always take caution while using this drug.
How much does Cafergot cost in Canada?
We provide the lowest prices of medication for our patients including our price on Cafergot. The price varies depending on the quantity you need to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Cafergot used for?
Cafergot (ergotamine & caffeine) is being used to treat and prevent certain types of headaches. This is usually prescribed for migraine headaches and cluster headaches. This should not be given to children below the age of 6.
Can Cafergot cure migraines?
This type of medication is only being prescribed for the management of headaches. It also prevents the worsening of migraine attacks. However, this specific drug does not cure migraines and is only meant for short-term treatment. It cannot be used for months or years.
How effective is Cafergot?
Most patients report headache relief within an hour and a half after this tablet has been administered. Although extra medication may be required to obtain relief for some, most people have reported relief with Cafergot alone.
Can I take paracetamol with Cafergot?
There are no known paracetamol and, caffeine & ergotamine interactions. It can be safe to take paracetamol with this medication. Please consult your pharmacist for more information regarding drug interactions.
Is there a generic for Cafergot?
Cafergot is an ergotamine & caffeine brand name drug. At present, there are no available generic alternatives for this type of drug. If this medication is not working for you, please notify your doctor.
Is Cafergot over the counter?
This oral product is a prescription drug. It is required that we have a valid prescription in order to dispense this medication. Do not use this medication unless prescribed.
Can I buy Cafergot online?
You can buy Cafergot from any certified and licensed Canadian pharmacy like PharmaPassport. Check our prices on top of this page to see your options.