Skip to Main Content

Caffeine/Ergotamine Oral Tablet (ERGOTAMINE/CAFFEINE – ORAL)

Caffeine/Ergotamine Oral Tablet (ERGOTAMINE/CAFFEINE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • headaches
  • migraine headache
  • prevent migraine headaches

Brand Name(s): Cafergot

Generic Name: Caffeine/Ergotamine

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

This medicine should be used after a migraine headache starts. It should not be used to prevent a migraine headache.

If your headache improves but does not completely disappear after taking this medicine, you may need a second dose.

Only swallow one pill at a time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

You may stop using this medicine if you no longer have symptoms.

Do not take more than 10 pills in a week.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Using this medicine for 10 or more days in a month may make the headaches worse.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • dizziness
  • nausea and vomiting
  • restlessness
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • chest or jaw pain
  • feeling cold or numb, especially in arms and legs
  • pale, blue or cold fingers, toes or nails
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.