Dosage ; 1-2 tablets at onset followed by additional 1-2 tablets
at intervals of at 30mins (max. 4 tabs in 24 hours).
Not to be repeated at intervals of less than 4 days (max. 8 tabs weekly).
| Brand Name | Manufacturer Name | Distributor | Drug Strength | Packaging | Formulation | Formulation Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cafergot | Novartis Consumers | Harley's Limited | 20 | Tablet | per tablet | KES 545 |
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Ergotamine / Caffeine More Info |
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|---|---|
| Mode Of Action | Ergotamine / Caffeine: Ergotamine interacts with several neurotransmitter receptors, including alpha-adrenergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. It directly stimulates vascular smooth muscle causing constriction of both arteries and veins and depresses vasomotor centers in the brain. More specifically, it is thought that agonist activity at the 5-HT1D receptor subtype provides relief of acute headache, whereas antagonist activity at the 5-HT2 receptor subtype provides headache prophylaxis. Caffeine is thought to act by increasing both the rate and extent of absorption of ergotamine. |
| Drug Indication | Migraine attacks |
| Precautions | Repeated high doses may cause ergotism with gangrene, confusion, nausea, vomiting, headache and pleural and peritoneal fibrosis. |
| Contra-Indications | Unstablized or severe hypertension; hyperthyroidism; peripheral vascular disease; sepsis; coronary head disease; Raynaud's disease and other obliterative vascular diseases. |
| Dosage | 1-2 tablets at onset followed by additional 1-2 tablets at intervals of at 30mins (max. 4 tabs in 24 hours). Not to be repeated at intervals of less than 4 days (max. 8 tabs weekly). |
| Special Information | Patients to be advised to seek medical attention in case of numbness or tingling feeling at extremities |
| Pregnancy Category | Category C |
| Pregnancy Category Description | Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, or may be suspected of causing detrimental effects on human foetus or neonates without causing malfunctions. These effects may be reversible |
| Drug Category | DRUGS ACTING ON CNS |
| Drug Sub-Category | Anti-migraine drugs
Dosing: Adult Migraine: Oral: Two tablets at onset of attack; then 1 tablet every 30 minutes as needed; maximum: 6 tablets per attack; do not exceed 10 tablets/week. Rectal: One suppository rectally at first sign of an attack; follow with second dose after 1 hour, if needed; maximum: 2 per attack; do not exceed 5/week. Dosage Forms: U.S. Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. Suppository, rectal: Migergot: Ergotamine tartrate 2 mg and caffeine 100 mg (12s) Tablet: Ergotamine tartrate 1 mg and caffeine 100 mg Cafergot®: Ergotamine tartrate 1 mg and caffeine 100 mg Generic Equivalent Available: U.S. Yes Use Abort or prevent vascular headaches, such as migraine, migraine variants, or so-called “histaminic cephalalgia” |