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| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Ergotamine | vasoconstrictor, neurotransmitter agonist and antagonist |
| Caffeine | vasoconstrictor, phosphodiesterase inhibitor |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Cafergot, Migergot, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
| MedlinePlus | a601048 |
| License data | |
| Pregnancy category |
|
| Routes of administration | By mouth,rectal |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| KEGG | |
Ergotamine/caffeine, sold under the brand nameCafergot among others, is afixed-dose combination medication used for the treatment ofmigraine. It containsergotamine, as the tartrate, an alpha adrenergic blocking agent; andcaffeine, a cranial vasoconstrictor.[3]
Ergotamine/caffeine is available as ageneric medication.
Ergotamine/caffeine isindicated as therapy to abort or prevent vascular headache.[1][2]
Ergotamine binds to5-HT1B and5-HT1Dreceptors.[4] This along with binding to other serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors is their presumed mechanism of action in treating migraine.[4][5]
Because the vasoconstrictive effects of ergotamine and caffeine are not selective for the brain, adverse effects due to systemic vasoconstriction can occur. Cold feet or hands,angina pectoris,myocardial infarction,[6] or dizziness are some examples.
It has also been shown to be associated withmitral valve stenosis.[7]
