Cafergot is a medication used to prevent migraines. According to Drugs.com, this medication is a combination of the drugs caffeine and ergotamine. Ergotamine is an ergot alkaloid, and caffeine is a stimulant. Both of these drugs tighten the blood vessels in the head to prevent migraines. Cafergot is available as an oral tablet and as a rectal suppository. Take two tablets or one rectal suppository at the onset of a migraine, according to MedlinePlus.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Cafergot typically causes nausea and vomiting. Vomiting can cause dehydration and lowered potassium levels (hypokalemia). Drink six to 10 full cups of water daily to help replenish fluid lost via regurgitation. Manifestations of hypokalemia include fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythms (arrythmias). Arrythmias can compromise blood flow to the rest of your body. Eat potassium-rich fruits, such as bananas and apricots. This should elevate your potassium levels. Stop taking Cafergot and seek your doctor's assistance if these symptoms do not disappear within three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that Cafergot may cause retroperitoneal (of the abdominal cavity) or pleuropulmonary (the space between the lungs and its cavity) fibrosis (scarring). This can cause sudden respiratory arrest and even death. Cafergot can also cause scarring of the different valves of your heart responsible for guiding blood flow through your heart's chambers. Drugs.com indicates that Cafergot can also cause arm or leg pain, chest pain, itching, fluctuations in your heart rate and paresthesias (numbness or tingling of your extremities). Call your physician as soon as Cafergot causes these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Cafergot if you are hypersensitive to ergotamine or caffeine. A hypersensitivity response to Cafergot includes hives, trouble breathing and swelling up of your throat and face. Avoid Cafergot if you are taking antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole, or HIV medications, such as ritanovir or nelfinavir, says MedlinePlus. The combination of Cafergot and these medications can cause vasospasm (erratic blood vessel constrictions) and lack of blood flow (ischemia) to your arms or legs. Amputation may be necessary if ischemia becomes severe, says the National Library of Medicine. Avoid Cafergot if you are pregnant, as it can promote uterine contractions and subsequent abortion, indicates Drugs.com.
Member Comments