Cafergot is an oral tablet made up of ergotamine and caffeine. This antimigraine agent is available in 1mg/100mg doses.

Cafergot is a medication used to treat certain types of headaches. The most common headache this medication is used for is a migraine, which is a consistent, severe level of pain headache that can sometimes last for days and causes unpleasant symptoms (like vomiting and nausea) to occur. Another similar headache is cluster headaches. These headaches are less consistent than a migraine as they come in waves, but the waves can last for days up to weeks or months sometimes and also falls on a severe level of pain (sometimes more severe than a migraine).

Ergotamine narrows the widened blood vessels located in your head, while the caffeine helps with the absorption of the ergotamine while also relaxing the blood vessels.  

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.

Take this medication when you feel a migraine beginning (you can usually tell by a change in mood, stomach problems, sensitivity to light or noise, or feeling tired; signs a migraine is coming can be different for everyone)

Take Cafergot with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.

This tablet can be taken at any time of day, but is it is best if you take it at the same time every day.

Always make sure your doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists are aware of the medications you are currently taking.

Consult your doctor about the risks of drinking or eating grapefruit/grapefruit juice while on Cafergot if you are a regular consumer of it.

Do not change the dose amount unless directed to by your doctor.

Limit your use of caffeine.

This medication can cause harm to a fetus. Call your doctor right away if you find out you are pregnant while taking Cafergot.

If mixed with certain medications, this medication could cause poor blood flow to the hands, feet or brain and can become fatal.

Tell your doctor if you:

Have a blood vessel disease, Have heart disease, Have high blood pressure, Have kidney disease, liver disease, or Have a very bad infection.

If you have taken:

almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan. sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan in the last 24 hours.

 

Common side effects of Cafergot include:

Upset stomach, Throwing up, Nausea, Restlessness or trouble sleeping, Dizziness.

Serious side effects of Cafergot include:

Chest pain or pressure, Slow heartbeat, Swelling, Dizziness or passing out, Muscle pain or weakness, Change in color of hands or feet from pale to blue or red, Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling of the hands or feet, Any sores or wounds on the fingers or toes.

Signs to watch for:

High Blood Pressure: bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight

Allergic Reaction: ash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What is a type of headache (besides migraines and cluster headaches) that this medication treats?

Headaches that are caused by a disorder of cranial blood vessels

What are some other rare side effects of Cafergot?

Decrease in pupil size

Extra heartbeats

Fibrous thickening of the heart valves

High blood pressure

Insufficient blood supply to the colon

Is it okay to consume alcohol while on this medication?

Alcohol can have an effect on this medication. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to consume alcohol while taking this medication.

Is it safe for kids?

It is safe for children 6 years old and up.