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Ergotamine Tartrate

Pronounced

"er-GOT-uh-meen"

Common brand names:

Ergomar

Uses

This medication is used to treat or prevent a certain type of headache (vascular headaches such as migraine headaches and cluster headaches). Ergotamine helps narrow widened blood vessels in the head, which reduces the throbbing effects of vascular headaches.

How to Use This Medication

Place one tablet under the tongue, allowing it to dissolve as directed by your doctor. Do not chew or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink while the tablet is dissolving in your mouth.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication works best if it is taken as the first signs of the headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

This medication usually should be taken only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use. The maximum dose is 3 tablets in any 24-hour period and 5 tablets in any 7-day period.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as rebound headaches). This headache may be different from your original headache and may last a few days. To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used ergotamine for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.