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Why is Cafergot prescribed?

The combination of Cafergot tartrate and caffeine is used to prevent or treat migraine and cluster headaches. It prevents blood vessels in your head from expanding and causing headaches. Ergotamine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Cafergot be used?

The combination of Cafergot tartrate and caffeine comes as a tablet to take by mouth and as a suppository to insert rectally. For the best effect, take this medication at the first sign of a migraine headache. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Cafergot tartrate and caffeine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. To use the tablets, follow these steps:

• Take two tablets at the first sign of a migraine.
• Lie down and relax in a quiet, dark room for at least 2 hours.
• If the headache pain does not stop within 30 minutes, take one or two more tablets.
• Take one or two tablets every 30 minutes until the headache pain stops or you have taken six tablets.
• If the headache pain continues after you have taken six tablets, call your doctor. Do not take more than six tablets for one headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
• Do not take more than six tablets in 24 hours or 10 tablets in 1 week. If you need more, call your doctor.

To use the suppositories, follow these steps:

• If the suppository feels soft, place it in ice cold water (before removing foil wrapper) until it hardens.
• Remove the wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water.
• Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
• Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
• Wash your hands thoroughly; then lie down and relax in a dark, quiet room for at least 2 hours.
• If the headache pain does not stop within 1 hour, insert another suppository.
• If the headache pain continues after you have inserted two suppositories, call your doctor. Do not use more than two suppositories for one headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
• Do not use more than five suppositories in 1 week. If you need more, call your doctor

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking cafergot tartrate and caffeine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Cafergot tartrate, caffeine, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially erythromycin, nifedipine (Procardia), prazosin (Minipres), propranolol (Inderal), troleandomycin (TAO), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe high blood pressure; severe itching; Raynaud's disease; poor circulation; coronary artery disease; a severe infection; or blood vessel, kidney, or liver disease. Call your doctor if you develop an infection while taking this medication.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Cafergot tartrate and caffeine, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid exposure to cold temperatures, where your hands and feet will become cold, because Ergotamine decreases circulation to your extremities.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Ergotamine usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take ergotamine tartrate and caffeine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Cafergot cause?

Although side effects from Cafergot tartrate and caffeine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• leg weakness
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• drowsiness
• convulsions or seizures
• muscle pain or stiffness in the legs, arms, neck, or shoulders
• confusion
• swelling of the hands or legs
• itching
• coldness, numbness, and tingling of the fingers and toes
• stomach pain

What storage conditions are needed for Cafergot?

Keep Ergotamine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor. If you take large doses of this medication for a long time, you may have a severe headache for a few days after stopping the drug. If the headache lasts for more than a few days, call your doctor.

Caffeine may interfere with laboratory tests. Before you have any tests, tell the laboratory personnel and doctor that you take a medication containing caffeine.

Call your doctor if you continue to have symptoms.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.