Cafergot

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, ergotamine tartrate and caffeine. Ergotamine is a type of medicine called an ergot alkaloid. It is used in the treatment of migraines. Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine attacks. It is also believed that a chemical called serotonin is released in the brain at the beginning of an attack. Serotonin causes the release of other chemicals that cause blood vessels in the brain to widen. Serotonin itself causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Ergotamine is thought to work in part by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain, causing the blood vessels to narrow. It also acts on other types of receptors found on the walls of blood vessels, called alpha receptors. This also causes the blood vessels to narrow. Overall, by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain ergotamine relieves the pain of migraine headaches. Caffeine is also included in this preparation to enhance the effect of ergotamine.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

This medicine should not be used to prevent migraines.

This preparation should not be used in excess of the recommended dose or on a long-term daily basis as it may cause rebound headache.

People who use this medicine should not exceed the maximal allowed dose. The symptoms of overdosage include numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, and non-migrane related nausea and vomiting. Should signs of overdosage occur, treatment must be discontinued and their physician should be consulted at once.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children under 12 years of age

Coronary heart disease

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Infection of the blood (septicaemia or blood poisoning)

Inflammatory condition of the temporal artery, which can lead to stroke or blindness. Symptoms include headaches and tenderness over the temples (temporal arteritis)

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands, causing numb and painful fingers (Raynaud's disease)

Pregnancy

Very high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Refer to the printed instructions for maximum weekly intake.

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