What is Ergotamine-Caffeine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ergotamine-Caffeine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cafergot

Generic Names:

  • Ergotamine-Caffeine

Uses:

  • Treats or prevents migraine and cluster headaches.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Ergot Alkaloid Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Ergotamine-Caffeine used for?

What form(s) does Ergotamine-Caffeine come in

  • Tablet

What are common Ergotamine-Caffeine doses?

  • Tablet 1-100MG

Common Ergotamine-Caffeine prescriptions

  • Ergotamine-Caffeine
    1-100mg tablet

How to take Ergotamine-Caffeine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • This medicine works best if you take it at the first sign of a migraine headache. The medicine is usually taken as 2 tablets at the first sign of a migraine, followed by 1 tablet every half-hour, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Do not use more than 6 tablets for one headache, or 10 tablets in one week.

  • This medicine works best if you take it at the first sign of a migraine headache. The medicine is usually taken as 2 tablets at the first sign of a migraine, followed by 1 tablet every half-hour, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Do not use more than 6 tablets for one headache, or 10 tablets in one week.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ergotamine-Caffeine

  • Store the medicine at room temperature in its original container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Ergotamine-Caffeine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ergotamine or caffeine, or if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not use this medicine if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, blood vessel disorders, or problems with circulation.

Ergotamine-Caffeine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a stomach ulcer, glaucoma, or history of a stroke.

  • If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

  • Numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes

  • Pain or discomfort behind your breastbone

  • Skin rash, swelling, or itching

  • Vomiting, numbness, tingling feeling, or pain and blue discoloration of your hands and feet

Ergotamine-Caffeine interactions

  • Smoking may make your headaches worse or increase the side effects of this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using dopamine (Intropin®), sibutramine (Meridia®), antibiotics (such as Biaxin®, Dynabac®, Ery-Tab®), blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, Inderal®, Toprol®), medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Rescriptor®, Sustiva®, Viracept®), or other medicines to treat migraine headaches (Amerge®, Imitrex®, Maxalt®, Zomig„¢).

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate).

Ergotamine-Caffeine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Skin rash, swelling, or itching

  • Vomiting, numbness, tingling feeling, or pain and blue discoloration of your hands and feet

  • Fast or slow heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness or fainting

  • Numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes

  • Pain or discomfort behind your breastbone

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nervousness, irritability, dizziness

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain

  • Muscle pain

  • Weakness in your legs