Medihaler Ergotamine

Generic name: ergotamine tartrate
Dosage form: aerosol, metered
Drug class:Antimigraine agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2021.

PHARMACIST:

Tear off “Instructions for Use” and dispense with container in carton.

Medihaler Ergotamine Description

Medihaler Ergotamine (ergotamine tartrate) is an oral aerosol device which contains a fine particle suspension of 9.0 mg ergotamine tartrate per ml in an insert, nontoxic aerosol vehicle. The inert ingredients are dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, sorbitan trioleate and trichloromonofluoromethane. Each depression of the valve delivers a measured dose of 0.36 mg to the patient.

ACTION

Ergotamine exerts a constrictor action upon cranial vessels.

INDICATIONS

As therapy to abort vascular headache, e.g., migraine, migraine variants, or so-called “histaminic cephalalgia.”

Contraindications

Ergotamine tartrate should not be used in the presence of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, impaired renal or hepatic function, infectious states or malnutrition.

Ergotamine tartrate is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions.

Pregnancy: Ergotamine tartrate is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Warnings

Patients who are being treated with Medihaler Ergotamine should be informed adequately of the symptoms of ergotism. Close medical supervision by the physician is recommended so that he may react appropriately should signs of ergotism develop. Six inhalations per day, if continued daily, entail the risk of vasospastic complications. Avoid prolonged administration or in excess of the recommended dosage because of the danger of ergotism and gangrene.

Pediatric Patients: Since there is no experience in children who have received this drug, safety and efficacy in children have not been established.

Nursing Mothers: Whether ergotamine tartrate is excreted in mothers' milk is not known. As a general rule, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is on a drug (since many drugs are excreted in human milk).

Adverse Reactions

Ergotamine tartrate may cause nausea and vomiting. Patients with headaches may become nauseated and drug induced distress may be difficult to evaluate.

Ergotamine in large doses raises arterial pressure, produces coronary vasoconstriction and slows the heart both by direct action and i...