Cafergot is prescribed for the relief or prevention of vascular headaches–for example, migraine, migraine variants, or cluster headaches.
Most important fact about Cafergot
The excessive use of Cafergot can lead to ergot poisoning resulting in symptoms such as headache, pain in the legs when walking, muscle pain, numbness, coldness, and abnormal paleness of the fingers and toes. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to gangrene (tissue death due to decreased blood supply).
How should you take Cafergot?
Cafergot is available in both tablet and suppository form. Be sure to take it exactly as prescribed, remaining within the limits of your recommended dosage.
Cafergot works best if you use it at the first sign of a migraine attack. If you get warning signals of a coming migraine, take the drug before the headache actually starts.
Lie down and relax in a quiet, dark room for at least a couple of hours or until you feel better.
Avoid exposure to cold.
To use the suppositories, follow these steps:
1. If the suppository feels too soft, leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or put it, still wrapped, in ice water until it hardens.
2. Remove the foil wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water.
3. Lie down on your side and with a finger insert the suppository into the rectum. Hold it in place for a few moments.
–If you miss a dose…
Take this medication only when threatened with an attack.
–Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light. Keep suppositories away from heat.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cafergot.
- More common side effects may include:
Fluid retention, high blood pressure, itching, nausea, numbness, rapid heart rate, slow heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vomiting, weakness
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cafergot
If Cafergot is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cafergot with the following:
Beta-blocker drugs (blood pressure medications such as Inderal and Tenormin)
Drugs that constrict the blood vessels, such as EpiPen and the oral decongestant Sudafed
Macrolide antibiotics such as PCE, E.E.S., and Biaxin
Nicotine (Nicoderm, Habitrol, others)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not take Cafergot if you are pregnant. Cafergot appears in breast milk and may have serious effects in your baby. If this medication is essential for your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage
Dosage should start at the first sign of an attack.
ADULTS
Orally
The total dose for any single attack should not exceed 6 tablets.
Rectally
The maximum dose for an individual attack is 2 suppositories.
The total weekly dosage should not exceed 10 tablets or 5 suppositories.
A preventive, short-term dose may be given at bedtime to certain people, but only as prescribed by a doctor.
Overdosage
If you suspect an overdose of Cafergot, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Symptoms of Cafergot overdose include:
Coma, convulsions, diminished or absent pulses, drowsiness, high or low blood pressure, numbness, shock, stupor, tingling, pain and bluish discoloration of the limbs, unresponsiveness, vomiting
Popularity: 3% [?]
