Ergot alkaloid (migraine medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Ergotamine and Caffeine (sold as Cafergot in Nigeria) is a combination drug that works by narrowing the blood vessels in your head to stop migraine headaches. The caffeine helps your body absorb the ergotamine better and also helps shrink those swollen blood vessels.
Binds to serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors on cranial blood vessels and nerve terminals, causing vasoconstriction and inhibiting neurogenic inflammation; caffeine enhances efficacy by increasing ergotamine absorption and potentiating its vasoconstrictive effects.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take 2 tablets at the very start of a migraine attack. If the headache does not go away, you can take 1 more tablet every 30 minutes, but do not take more than 6 tablets for one migraine attack. Do not take more than 10 tablets in one week. Swallow with water — you do not need to take it with food.
This drug is not taken on a regular schedule — you only take it when a migraine starts. So there is no missed dose to worry about. Do not take it to prevent headaches; only use it when a migraine is already happening.
Do not use with drugs called triptans (like sumatriptan) used for migraine — combining them can dangerously narrow your blood vessels. Avoid erythromycin and similar antibiotics as they increase ergotamine levels in your blood to dangerous amounts. Do not drink alcohol as it can make your headache and side effects worse.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ergotamine; with your other drugs?
This drug is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can cause miscarriage or harm the baby — and it should not be used while breastfeeding. Avoid completely if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing it near windows or in your car. Keep it in its original container and far away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.