Health Library

Ergotamine/caffeine (Into the rectum)

Caffeine (KAF-een), Ergotamine Tartrate (er-GOT-a-meen TAR-trate)

Treats or prevents migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Migergot

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
• To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
• Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.
• This medicine works best if you use it at the first sign of a migraine headache.
• Do not use more than 2 suppositories in one day or 5 suppositories in one week.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with clarithromycin, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nelfinavir, ritonavir, or troleandomycin.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how ergotamine and caffeine works. Tell your doctor if you are using clotrimazole, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, metronidazole, nefazodone, nicotine, propranolol, saquinavir, or zileuton.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Stomach problems, including retroperitoneal fibrosis
  • Lung problems, including pleuropulmonary fibrosis
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change or loss of consciousness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, seizures, cold, clammy skin
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, pale, bluish color, or cold hands or feet
• Stomach pain, change in how much or how often you urinate, loss of appetite, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, difficulty in moving bowels, pain in your rectum
• Dizziness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024