caffeine and ergotamine (oral/rectal)

What is the most important information I should know about caffeine and ergotamine?

You should not use this medicine if you have coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, circulation problems, liver or kidney disease, or sepsis.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

What is caffeine and ergotamine?

Caffeine is a stimulant that causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction). Ergotamine is an ergot alkaloid (ER-got AL-ka-loid) that works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain.

Caffeine and ergotamine is a combination medicine used to treat or prevent a migraine type headache.

This medication will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Caffeine and ergotamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using caffeine and ergotamine ?

• coronary heart disease;
• high blood pressure;
• blood circulation problems;
• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection);
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Many drugs can cause a dangerous decrease in blood flow when used with caffeine and ergotamine. A severe decrease in blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body can lead to dangerous side effects. Some drugs should not be used together with caffeine and ergotamine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• zileuton;
• an antidepressant --fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone;
• an antibiotic --clarithromycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, telithromycin;
• antifungal medicine --clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole; or
• antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS --indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

How should I use caffeine and ergotamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never use more than your recommended dose. Overuse of migraine headache medicine can make headaches worse. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your migraine attacks. This medicine is not for daily use.

To use caffeine and ergotamine tablets:

• Take 2 tablets of caffeine and ergotamine as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.
• If your headache does not completely go away, you may take 1 more tablet after at least 30 minutes have passed.
• If additional medication is needed, you may take 1 tablet every 30 minutes up to a total of 6 tablets for one migraine attack.

To use caffeine and ergotamine rectal suppositories:

• Insert 1 suppository at the first sign of migraine headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.
• Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt.
• Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.
• Stay lying down for a few minutes while the suppository melts. You should feel little or no discomfort. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour.
• If your headache does not completely go away, use 1 more suppository after at least 1 hour has passed.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since caffeine and ergotamine is used only when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Do not take more than 6 caffeine and ergotamine tablets per day or more than 10 tablets per week.

Do not use more than 2 suppositories per headache or 5 suppositories per week.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, feeling drowsy or light-headed, seizure, or signs of decreased blood flow in your arms or legs (pain, numbness, tingling, weak pulses, or a blue appearance).

What should I avoid while using caffeine and ergotamine?

• dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine; or
• almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with caffeine and ergotamine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking caffeine and ergotamine.

What are the possible side effects of caffeine and ergotamine?

• severe pain in your stomach or back;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• cramps in your hips or legs, leg pain or swelling;
• weak pulses in your arms and legs, numbness and tingling or pain in your hands or feet, blue-colored fingers or toes;
• muscle pain or weakness in your arms or legs;
• fast or slow heart rate;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or
• painful sores on your rectum after using the rectal suppositories.

Common side effects may include:

• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• weakness;
• itching or swelling;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• (with suppository use) a rectal sore or ulcer.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect caffeine and ergotamine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect caffeine and ergotamine, especially:

• nicotine gum or skin patch;
• an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
• diet pills, stimulants, or medicine to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
• heart or blood pressure medicine; or
• medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect caffeine and ergotamine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about caffeine and ergotamine.