Ergotamine, a medication for treating migraine headaches, has many precautions and contraindications. Therefore, taking the medication correctly and monitoring for possible side effects is the best way to reduce the risk of adverse drug events.
What is Migraine?
Migraine is a common headache disorder found in both children and adults. The cause is believed to be genetic or triggered by environmental factors (Trigger Factors), which cause abnormal dilation of the arteries (vasodilation) inside and outside the skull. This dilation occurs more easily and extensively than in normal individuals, leading to headache symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is a good and safe way to prevent migraine headaches. Medications used for migraine headaches can be divided into two main types:
- Drugs used to treat acute migraine headaches (abortive drugs), and
- Drugs used to prevent migraine attacks (preventive drugs)
Among these, ergotamine is a commonly used drug with many precautions. It is a type of medication used to treat acute migraine headaches.
What is Ergotamine?
Ergotamine is a medication used to treat migraine headaches. It works by stimulating serotonin receptors, which causes the abnormally dilated blood vessels to constrict, ultimately relieving the headache. In Thailand, ergotamine usually contains the active ingredient ergotamine tartrate 1 milligram combined with 100 milligrams of caffeine.
How to use ergotamine correctly?
Ergotamine should only be used when headache symptoms occur. It must not be used daily to prevent migraine headaches. The appropriate dosage is to take 1 or 2 tablets at the onset of migraine headache. If symptoms do not improve, you may take 1 more tablet every half hour, but do not exceed 6 tablets per day or 10 tablets per week. Taking more than this amount may cause high blood pressure, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting.
What are the adverse effects of incorrect ergotamine use?
Ergotamine is intended only for use during migraine attacks. However, some patients take ergotamine daily to prevent migraines, which is incorrect and can cause serious harm. Continuous use of ergotamine can increase blood pressure and raise the risk of stroke or heart attack, especially in patients with existing heart or cerebrovascular disease.
Precautions when taking ergotamine?
Patients taking ergotamine may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Cold or numb fingers and toes
- Palpitations and chest pain
- Drug interactions may increase side effects or toxicity. To prevent drug interactions, patients should always inform their doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking.
Contraindications of ergotamine
Patients who should not use ergotamine include:
- Those allergic to ergotamine or ergot alkaloid derivatives
- Patients with a history of peripheral arterial occlusion
- Patients with liver or kidney dysfunction
- Patients with coronary artery disease or angina
- Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Patients with sepsis
- Pregnant women (all trimesters)
