Ergotamine
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Boxed warning
Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the coadministration of ergotamine tartrate with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors including protease inhibitors and macrolide antibiotics. Because CYP 3A4 inhibition elevates the serum levels of ergotamine tartrate, 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)
Dosing in kidney impairment
Peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, impaired hepatic or renal function and sepsis. Hypersensitivity to any of the components. WARNINGS CYP 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Macrolide Antibiotics and Protease Inhibitors) Coadministration of ergotamine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as protease inhibitors or macrolide antibiotics has been associated with serious adverse events; for this reason, these drugs should not be given concomitantly with ergotamine ( See CONTRAINDICATIONS ).
Drug interactions
Check ergotamine against a medication listLabel text (2 paragraphs)
Drug Interactions CYP 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Macrolide Antibiotics and Protease inhibitors) See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS . Ergomar ® Sublingual Tablets (Ergotamine Tartrate Sublingual Tablets USP) should not be administered with other vasoconstrictors. Use with sympathomimetics (pressor agents) may cause extreme elevation of blood pressure. The beta-blocker Inderal (propranolol) has been reported to potentiate the vasoconstrictive action of ergotamine by blocking the vasodilating property of epinephrine. Nicotine may provoke vasoconstriction in some patients, predisposing to a greater ischemic response to ergot therapy.
The blood levels of ergotamine-containing drugs are reported to be elevated by the concomitant administration of macrolide antibiotics and vasospastic reactions have been reported with therapeutic doses of the ergotamine-containing drugs when coadministered with these antibiotics.
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 was coadministered, at least one resulting in death.
Because of the increased risk for ergotism and other serious vasospastic adverse events, ergotamine use is contraindicated with these drugs and other potent inhibitors of CYP 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) (See WARNINGS: CYP 3A4 Inhibitors ). Ergomar ® Sublingual Tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Ergomar ® Sublingual Tablets are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this product, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, impaired hepatic or renal function and sepsis. Hypersensitivity to any of the components.
Safety data
Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Liver injury (LiverTox)
LiverTox has no chapter for ergotamine. Check the label's hepatic warnings.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category X: There are no studies on the placental transfer or teratogenicity of Ergomar ® . Ergotamine crosses the placenta in small amounts, although it does not appear to be embryotoxic in this quantity. However, prolonged vasoconstriction of the uterine vessels and/or increased myometrial tone leading to reduced myometrial and placental blood flow may have contributed to fetal growth retardation observed in animals. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS ) Nonteratogenic Effects Ergomar ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effects of ergotamine (See CONTRAINDICATIONS )
Lactation
Nursing Mothers Ergot drugs are known to inhibit prolactin but there are no reports of decreased lactation with Ergomar ® . Ergotamine is excreted in breast milk and may cause symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, weak pulse and unstable blood pressure in nursing infants. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Ergomar ® , a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Breastfeeding (LactMed)
There is limited published experience with ergotamine during breastfeeding and it might cause adverse effects in the infant and decrease milk supply. Most authorities consider ergotamine to be contraindicated during nursing.-
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
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