Description

Cafergot (Caffeine/Ergotamine) 100mg

Cafergot (Caffeine/Ergotamine) 100mg  is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. It’s an older migraine treatment, combining ergotamine, a vasoconstrictor, and caffeine, which enhances its effect. While it’s not used as a result often today due to newer drugs like triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan), Cafergot can still be effective in select cases.

Quick Overview

• Brand name: Cafergot

• Generic name: Ergotamine tartrate + Caffeine

• Typical strength:

  • Ergotamine: 1 mg

  • Caffeine: 100 mg

• Form: Tablet or suppository (in some countries)

• Drug class: Ergot alkaloid + CNS stimulant

• Used for: Abortive migraine treatment (not prevention)

What It’s Used For

• Migraine headaches (with or without aura)

• Cluster headaches (occasionally)

• Best used at the start of a migraine attack, not after it’s fully developed

How It Works

• Ergotamine constricts dilated blood vessels in the brain (a cause of migraines)

• Caffeine enhances absorption of ergotamine and boosts vasoconstriction

• Together, they stop migraine progression by reducing blood vessel inflammation and dilation

How to Take It

• Usual dose: 1–2 tablets at the first sign of migraine

• Can take 1 tablet every 30 minutes if needed, up to 6 tablets per attack, 10 per week max

• Must be taken early—less effective if the migraine Cafergot (Caffeine/Ergotamine) 100mg is fully developed

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Flushing

• Tingling in fingers or toes

• Increased blood pressure

Serious Risks (Ergotism)

• Severe vasoconstriction, which can reduce blood flow to limbs or organs

• Heart problems or stroke, especially in high doses or if mixed with certain other meds

• Dependence or overuse headaches if taken too often

• Rebound headaches with chronic use

Do NOT Use If You Have:

• Coronary artery disease or history of heart attacks

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Liver or kidney disease

• Pregnancy (can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage)

• Concurrent use of such as  triptans or certain antibiotics/antifungals (can lead to toxic ergot levels)

 Drug Interactions

• Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan) – can cause serious vasospasm

• Macrolide antibiotics (like clarithromycin)

• HIV medications (protease inhibitors)

• Grapefruit juice – can increase toxicity risk

Summary

Cafergot is an older but still useful migraine treatment when used such as correctly and early in an attack. It’s best for patients who don’t respond to triptans or who have used it effectively in the past. However, due to serious risks like vasoconstriction and ergotism, it  used sparingly and under medical supervision.