Cafergot Tablets

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.

Is Ergotamine; safe to take with another 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.

• Nausea or vomiting
• numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes
• feeling weak or tired
• dizziness
• muscle pain in your legs

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.

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.