3. Ergotamine, cyclizine and caffeine

Ergotamine, cyclizine and caffeine

  • Ergotamine, cyclizine and caffeine tablets will only treat a migraine headache that has already begun. It will not prevent the migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks.
  • Do not take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours, or more than 4 tablets in one migraine attack, or more than 6 tablets in any week.
  • If you have already taken a course of ergotamine then do not take another in the next 4 days, and do not take more than 2 courses of ergotamine a month.
  • These tablets should not be taken on a regular basis.
Type of medicine Ergot alkaloid
Used for Treatment of migraine headaches in adults
Also called Migril® (ergotamine tartrate with cyclizine and caffeine)
Available as Tablets

Migril® tablets are used to treat migraines which have not responded to simple painkillers. All three ingredients in this tablet work together to treat migraine attacks and should be used at the first sign of a migraine attack to relieve the symptoms and to stop the attack getting worse.

Migraine can be caused by the widening of blood vessels in the head. Ergotamine eases the pain associated with migraine by narrowing these blood vessels.

Caffeine is used to enhance the analgesic (pain-killing) effects.

Cyclizine belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-emetics (anti-sickness) drugs. It is used to treat the nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) often associated with migraine headaches.

Ergotamine is also available without cyclizine. There is more information about this in a separate leaflet called "Ergotamine."

Before taking ergotamine, cyclizine and caffeine tablets, make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney, thyroid or liver problems.
  • If you suffer from Raynaud's syndrome.
  • If you suffer from heart or blood circulation problems.
  • If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you smoke.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Never take more than your prescribed dose of these tablets.
  • Take 1 tablet as soon as you feel you are getting a migraine. If you do not feel better, you may take a further half or one tablet every 30 minutes as long as you do not take more than a total of 3 tablets in 24 hours.
  • Do not take more than 4 tablets per migraine attack.
  • Never take more than 6 tablets in one week.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Migril® tablets must not be taken on a daily basis to prevent migraine.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Stomach pain, feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods

Important: if you experience numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, pain in your chest or are passing less urine than normal then speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 18/11/2010 Document ID: 3246  Version: 22 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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