ERGOTAMINE + CAFFEINE + CYCLIZINE

Ergotamine works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. A natural substance called serotonin normally acts on these receptors, causing blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Ergotamine mimics this action of serotonin by directly stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This narrows the blood vessels and so relieves the pain of migraine headaches.

Ergotamine also acts on other types of receptors found on the walls of blood vessels, called alpha receptors. This also causes the blood vessels to narrow.

Cyclizine is an anti-nausea medicine which acts on the vomiting center of the brain, which is responsible for causing nausea and the vomiting reflex. Cyclizine stops this area of the brain from receiving the messages that make it cause these reactions. It is included in this medicine to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.

Caffeine is also included in this medicine to help enhance the effect of ergotamine.

Uses

This combination medication is used to relieve migraine attacks.

Warnings

This medicine should only be used by people with a clear diagnosis of migraine from their doctor.

Side Effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain.
Dry mouth.
Blurred vision.
Muscle cramps.
Joint pain (arthralgia).
Drowsiness.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
Cold or numb extremities, eg hands and feet.
Pins and needles or tingling sensations (paresthesia).
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
Difficulty passing urine.
Confusion.
Anxiety.
Depression.
Increased blood pressure.
Increased or decreased heart rate.
Heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Palpitations.
Inadequate blood flow leading to low levels of oxygen in the tissues of the extremities (peripheral ischemia), which may lead to gangrene.

Precautions

Precautions

Not to be taken regularly or used for migraine prophylaxis. Increased risk of arterial constriction and other symptoms of ergotism. Discontinue treatment when symptoms of arterial occlusion occur, e.g. numbness and tingling of the extremities. Caution when used in patients with infective hepatitis, cardiac disease or anaemia. GI tract obstructive disease, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy or urinary retention may be worsened by cyclizine. May increase risk of retroperitoneal and/or pleuropulmonary fibrosis. Not recommended for use with other vasoconstrictors. Elderly.

Interactions

You should not take this medicine if you have taken any of the following triptan medicines in the previous six hours: almotriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan. You should not take this medicine if you have taken eletriptan, frovatriptan or naratriptan in the previous 24 hours. You should not take any triptan medicines until at least 24 hours after taking the last dose of this medicine.

There may be an increased risk of narrowing of the blood vessels in the arms and legs if ergotamine is used in combination with beta-blockers. If you take this medicine in combination with a beta-blocker such as propranolol it is important to let your doctor know if you get cold, numb or painful hands or feet.

Overdose & Brands

Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme thirst, coldness, weakness, tingling and itching of the skin, rapid and weak pulse, hypotension, shock, confusion, convulsions and unconsciousness. If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the nearest hospital right away.

Available brands:

Ergotamine + Caffeine + Cyclizine