| Why
is Cafergot prescribed?
The combination of Cafergot tartrate and caffeine is used to prevent
or treat migraine and cluster headaches. It prevents blood vessels
in your head from expanding and causing headaches.
Ergotamine
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Cafergot be used?
The combination of Cafergot tartrate and caffeine comes as
a tablet to take by mouth and as a suppository to insert rectally.
For the best effect, take this medication at the first sign of a
migraine headache. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part
you do not understand. Take Cafergot tartrate and caffeine exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
To
use the tablets, follow these steps:
--
Take two tablets at the first sign of a migraine.
-- Lie down and relax in a quiet, dark room for at least 2 hours.
-- If the headache pain does not stop within 30 minutes, take one
or two more tablets.
-- Take one or two tablets every 30 minutes until the headache pain
stops or you have taken six tablets.
-- If the headache pain continues after you have taken six tablets,
call your doctor. Do not take more than six tablets for one headache
unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
-- Do not take more than six tablets in 24 hours or 10 tablets in
1 week. If you need more, call your doctor.
To
use the suppositories, follow these steps:
--
If the suppository feels soft, place it in ice cold water (before
removing foil wrapper) until it hardens.
-- Remove the wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water.
-- Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your
chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise
the left knee.)
-- Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about
1/2 to 1 inch in children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place
for a few moments.
-- Wash your hands thoroughly; then lie down and relax in a dark,
quiet room for at least 2 hours.
-- If the headache pain does not stop within 1 hour, insert another
suppository.
-- If the headache pain continues after you have inserted two suppositories,
call your doctor. Do not use more than two suppositories for one
headache unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
-- Do not use more than five suppositories in 1 week. If you need
more, call your doctor
Cafergot : Full
Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking cafergot tartrate and caffeine, --
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Cafergot
tartrate, caffeine, or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially erythromycin, nifedipine
(Procardia), prazosin (Minipres), propranolol (Inderal), troleandomycin
(TAO), and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe high blood
pressure; severe itching; Raynaud's disease; poor circulation; coronary
artery disease; a severe infection; or blood vessel, kidney, or
liver disease. Call your doctor if you develop an infection while
taking this medication.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Cafergot
tartrate and caffeine, call your doctor.
-- plan to avoid exposure to cold temperatures, where your hands
and feet will become cold, because Ergotamine decreases circulation
to your extremities.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Ergotamine usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you
to take ergotamine tartrate and caffeine regularly, take the missed
dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Cafergot cause?
Although side effects from Cafergot tartrate and caffeine are not
common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms
is severe or does not go away:
- upset
stomach
- vomiting
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- leg
weakness
- chest pain
- rapid heartbeat
- drowsiness
- convulsions or seizures
- muscle pain or stiffness in the legs, arms, neck, or shoulders
- confusion
- swelling of the hands or legs
- itching
- coldness, numbness, and tingling of the fingers and toes
- stomach pain
What storage conditions are needed for Cafergot?
Keep Ergotamine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from
light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
If
you take large doses of this medication for a long time, you may
have a severe headache for a few days after stopping the drug. If
the headache lasts for more than a few days, call your doctor.
Caffeine
may interfere with laboratory tests. Before you have any tests,
tell the laboratory personnel and doctor that you take a medication
containing caffeine.
Call
your doctor if you continue to have symptoms.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Cafergot : Full
Prescribing Information |
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