Overview
DESCRIPTION: Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine Suppository ergotamine tartrate USP 2 mg caffeine USP 100 mg Inactive Ingredients: tartaric acid NF, and hard fat NF Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine Suppositories are for rectal administration only. Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine Suppositories are sealed in foil to afford protection from leakage.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Ergotamine is an alpha adrenergic blocking agent with a direct stimulating effect on the smooth muscle of peripheral and cranial blood vessels and produces depression of central vasomotor centers. The compound also has the properties of serotonin antagonism. In comparison to hydrogenated ergotamine, the adrenergic blocking actions are less pronounced and vasoconstrictive actions are greater. Caffeine, also a cranial vasoconstrictor, is added to further enhance the vasoconstrictive effect without the necessity of increasing ergotamine dosage. Many migraine patients experience excessive nausea and vomiting during attacks, making it impossible for them to retain any oral medication.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine Indicated as therapy to abort or prevent vascular headache, e.g., migraine, migraine variants or so-called “histaminic cephalalgia”.
Common Doses
- Refer to label
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Procedure For best results, dosage should start at the first sign of an attack. Rectally Two suppositories is the maximum dose for an individual attack. Total weekly dosage should not exceed 5 suppositories. Ergotamine Tartrate and Caffeine Suppositories should not be used for chronic daily administration. In carefully selected patients, with due consideration of maximum dosage recommendations, administration of the drug at bedtime may be an appropriate short-term preventive measure.
Black Box Warning
WARNING Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the coadministration of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors including protease inhibitors and macrolide antibiotics. Because CYP 3A4 inhibition elevates the serum levels of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine, the risk for vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities is increased. Hence, concomitant use of these medications is contraindicated. (See also CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS section)
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Coadministration of ergotamine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin) has been associated with acute ergot toxicity (ergotism) characterized by vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities (see PRECAUTIONS : Drug Interactions), with some cases resulting in amputation. There have been rare reports of cerebral ischemia in patients on protease inhibitor therapy when ergotamine tartrate and caffeine was coadministered, at least one resulting in death.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Cardiovascular: Vasoconstrictive complications of a serious nature may occur at times. These include ischemia, cyanosis, absence of pulse, cold extremities, gangrene, precordial distress and pain, EKG changes and muscle pains. Although these effects occur most commonly with long-term therapy at relatively high doses, they have also been reported with short-term or normal doses. Other cardiovascular adverse effects include transient tachycardia or bradycardia and hypertension. Gastrointestinal: Nausea and vomiting; rectal or anal ulcer (from overuse of suppositories).
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.