Caffeine; Ergotamine rectal suppositories
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What are caffeine; ergotamine rectal suppositories?
CAFFEINE; ERGOTAMINE (Cafergot®) is one of a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. Caffeine; ergotamine preparations help to prevent certain kinds of throbbing headaches such as migraine and cluster headaches. This medication should be used as soon as you know a headache is starting. Generic caffeine; ergotamine suppositories are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood clots
• chest pain
• history of heart attacks
• heart or blood vessel disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• poor circulation
• stroke
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, ergotamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Caffeine; ergotamine suppositories are put in the rectum. Wash your hands. Take off the foil wrapping. Wet the tip of the suppository with water to make it easier to use. Lie on your side and raise your knee to your chest. Using your finger, gently push the suppository into the rectum. Hold it in place for a few minutes. Wash your hands. Follow the directions on the label. Do not use more often than directed, or exceed the recommended dose.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with caffeine; ergotamine?
Do not use any of the following migraine drugs within 24 hours of this medicine: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan. Also, do not use this drug with ergotamine (example: Ergomar®); dihydroergotamine (DHE® or Migranal®); methysergide (Sansert®); ergonovine; or methylergonovine (Methergine®).
Caffeine; ergotamine may also interact with:
• antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin
• antifungal drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole
• aprepitant
• bromocriptine
• cabergoline
• cocaine
• danazol
• ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine®)
• herbal products like feverfew or guarana
• fluoxetine
• fluvoxamine
• grapefruit juice
• imatinib, STI-571
• medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines or herbal products to decrease weight or appetite
• metronidazole
• nefazodone
• nicotine
• some medications for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking caffeine; ergotamine?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medication. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medicine to treat your migraines.
It is important to tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible if you get any of the following side effects: cold, numb, or painful hands or feet; leg cramps when walking; any type of pain around your chest; rectal discomfort or sores; swelling; itching.
Caffeine; ergotamine suppositories decrease the circulation of blood to your skin, fingers, and toes. You may get more sensitive to the cold. Elderly patients are more likely to feel this effect. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure to the cold.
Because this medicine contains caffeine, you may wish to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages on the days that you use this medicine.
Alcohol can make headaches worse or bring on a new headache. Therefore, you should avoid alcoholic drinks. Because smoking can increase side effects of caffeine; ergotamine combinations, you should avoid smoking.
If you are going to have any type of surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking caffeine; ergotamine.
What side effects may I notice from taking caffeine; ergotamine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blurred vision
• chest pain or tightness
• cold hands or feet
• confusion
• decrease in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing
• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• fever or chills
• itching
• leg or arm pain or cramps
• rectal discomfort or sores
• seizures
• stomach pain
• swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
• tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands
• vomiting
• weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• increased urination
• nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store suppositories refrigerated below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep medication in sealed foil until just prior to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
