Cafergot is an
Ergot alkaloid. It contains 1 milligram of
ergotamine tartrate and 100 milligrams of
caffeine. It is supplied as tablets that taste nasty if you don't swallow them really fast.
Indications: Migraine,
migraine varients, and
cluster headaches.
Contraindications: peripheral vascular disease. Coronary
heart disease.
Hypertension. Hepatic or renal dysfunction.
Sepsis.
Vasoconstrictors. Labor and delivery. This is a category X for pregnancy use.
Precautions: Patient should be monitored for
ergotism. Do not exceed recommended dose. Long-term use increases risks. Not recommended for nursing mothers.
Interactions: Protease inhibitors,
macrolides, azole
antifungals,
saquinavir,
nefazodone,
fluoxetine,
fluvoxamine,
grapefruit juice,
zileuton,
propranol, and nicotine.
Adverse Reactions: Vasoconstrictive complications or
ergotism.
Precordial or muscle pain. Tachycardia or bradycardia. Nausea and/or vomiting. Local edema and/or itching. Chronic use can cause cardiac valve fibrosis.
Adult dosage: 2 tablets at onset of attack then one tablet every half hour if needed. Max 6 tabs per attack or 10 tabs per week.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN
Also available as rectal
suppositories. The suppositories contain 2 milligrams of
ergotamine tartrate and 100 milligrams of
caffeine.
Adult dosage: 1 suppository rectally at onset of attack and one suppository after one hour if needed. max: 2 suppositories per attack and 5 per week.
Please see the Everything2 Medical Disclaimer
I have noticed with my
migraines that cafergot is most effective when taken immediately after the migraine is noticed. Do not wait. Even if all you have is slightly fuzzy
peripheral vision or the phantom beginnings of what might be pain, just swallow the pill. If the migraine doesn't give you a warning and just hits you like a freight train, cafergot is next to useless. If the pill won't stay in your stomach, it can't help you. For those full blown insta-migraines, I would recommend
Imitrex in either pill or nasal spray form. Of course, I have only taken cafergot in pill form. Maybe the suppositories are better...