Brand Name
Cafergot
Common Name
ergotamine - caffeine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00176095 | CAFERGOT 1MG/100MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Ergotamine and caffeine are used together to treat migraine headache. Ergotamine works by constricting blood vessel walls in the head, relieving dilation that causes the pain of migraine headaches. Caffeine helps the ergotamine to be absorbed into the bloodstream more effectively.
The tablets are most effective if taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. They are not effective for other types of headache. Relief is often obtained within one-half hour of taking the medication. Extra medication may be required if relief is not obtained within one-half hour (see maximum doses).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Tablets - adults and adolescents 12 years and over: The recommended initial adult dose is 2 tablets at the first sign of a headache followed by 1 tablet after each one-half hour that the headache is not relieved. If it is found that more that 2 tablets are needed to relieve the headache, 3 tablets can be used as an initial dose for the next headache. Do not take more than 6 tablets within 24 hours or 10 tablets within 7 days.
Tablets - children 6 to 12 years: The recommended initial children's dose is 1 tablet at the first sign of a headache followed by 1 tablet after each one-half hour that the headache is not relieved. Do not take more than 3 tablets within 24 hours or 5 tablets within 7 days.
Do not use this medication to prevent migraines.
If a different medication for migraine is required, wait at least six to eight hours before the using any ergotamine- or dihydroergotamine-containing medications. Wait at least 24 hours before using sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.
Store tablets and suppositories at room temperature below 25°C.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each circular, flat, speckled yellowish-white with isolated dots of pigment, compressed tablet, flat-faced, bevelled edge, 9 mm in diameter, with "XL" and a score on one side, contains ergotamine tartrate USP 1 mg and caffeine USP 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, iron oxide pigment yellow, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc and tartaric acid.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Cafergot should not be taken by anyone who:
- is less than 6 years old
- has a known sensitivity or allergy to ergotamine or any other ingredient of the medication
- has blood circulation disorders
- has a history of coronary artery disease
- has severe high blood pressure
- has reduced liver or kidney function
- has a septic (internal infection) condition
- is or may become pregnant
- is a breast-feeding mother
- is taking the following medications:
- protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir)
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin)
- antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)
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