Ergotamine & Cyclizine

About Ergotamine & Cyclizine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Ergot Alkaloids.

It is a combination medicine containing Ergotamine, Cyclizine and Caffeine.

Ergotamine is used to treat migraine headaches and some other types of throbbing headaches.

Research has shown that migraine can be caused by the swelling of blood vessels around the brain. Ergotamine eases the pain associated with migraine by narrowing these blood vessels.

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

This preparation is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Migril. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Ergotamine & Cyclizine

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart or circulatory problems
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or thyroid problems
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or porphyria
• if you suffer from glaucoma or epilepsy
• if you suffer from prostate problems or have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water)
• if you experience tingling or numbness in your extremities (fingers and toes)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Ergotamine & Cyclizine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take one tablet at the start of a migraine attack followed by HALF to ONE tablet 30 minutes later. HALF to ONE tablet can then be taken every 30 minutes when required as directed by your doctor. No more than four tablets to be taken per migraine attack and no more than six tablets to be taken per week.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of ergotamine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours

Getting the most from your treatment

• This preparation can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. 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 or able to see properly.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effect on you.
• Before taking any over-the-counter medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this preparation.
• This preparation may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this preparation.

Can Ergotamine & Cyclizine cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, dizziness, tummy pain, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, chest pain, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, difficulty urinating (passing water), constipation, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, shortness of breath, stiffness or problems with movement, confusion, changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, shakiness.

Important: If you experience numbness or tingling of the extremities (fingers and toes) do not take any more ergotamine and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Ergotamine & Cyclizine

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 30/06/2005