Ergotamine and Caffeine is used to treat acute migraines and stops migraine attacks after the attack begins. Learn how to use the medications, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for and more. 

What is this medication for?

This medication is a combination of ergot derivative and caffeine (stimulant). It is often used to treat acute migraines and stops migraine attacks after the attack begins. However, it does not prevent a migraine.

Headache or migraine occurs due to widened blood vessels in the brain. This medication works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain. This reverses the widening of blood vessels, thereby stopping a migraine.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take one to two tablets as soon as you experience a migraine attack.
• If the migraine is not relieved, you may take another tablet every 30 minutes, until the attack is relieved. However, you should not exceed 6 tablets per attack in 24 hours and not exceed 10 tablets per week.
• You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

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What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have history of: 
  • Heart condition
  • Peptic ulcer disease (gastric condition)
  • Narrowing of blood vessels in your arms, legs (peripheral vascular disease)
  • Uncontrolled blood pressure
  • Glaucoma (eye condition whereby the fluid pressure in the eye is high) 
  • Liver or kidney impairment  
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Tingling sensation 
• Abdominal pain 
• Muscle ache or weakness

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Do see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects:

• Chest pain, especially if it spreads to your arms, jaw, back, neck or if you have trouble breathing, experience unusual sweating or feel faint
• Numbing, cold feeling or pale fingers or toes

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• Azole antifungals (e.g. Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Ketoconazole)
• Protease inhibitors (e.g. Letermovir)
• Macrolide antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin) 
• Triptans (e.g. Sumatriptan)

Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medicine as grapefruit may interact with your medicine and increase the risk of side-effects.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore.

Last updated on December 2023