Medical term:

Ergomar


ergotamine

(er-got-a-meen) ,

Ergomar

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: vascular headache suppressants
Pharmacologic: ergot alkaloids
Pregnancy Category: X

Indications

Treatment of vascular headaches including:
  • Migraine with or without aura,
  • Cluster headaches.

Action

Vasoconstriction of dilated blood vessels by stimulating alpha-adrenergic and serotonergic (5-HT) receptors.
Larger doses may produce alpha-adrenergic blockade and vasodilation.

Therapeutic effects

Constriction of dilated carotid artery bed with resolution of vascular headache.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unpredictably absorbed (60%) from the GI tract. Sublingual absorption is very poor.
Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters breast milk.
Protein Binding: 93–98%.
Metabolism and Excretion: Highly metabolized (90%) by the liver. Some metabolites are active.
Half-life: 1.5–2.5 hours.

Time/action profile (relief of headache)

ROUTE ONSETPEAKDURATION
SL unknownunknown unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Peripheral vascular disease; Ischemic heart disease; Uncontrolled hypertension; Severe renal or liver disease ; Malnutrition; Obstetric: Pregnancy; Lactation: Lactation.
Use Cautiously in: Illnesses associated with peripheral vascular pathology such as diabetes mellitus; Concurrent administration of other vasoconstricting agents; Pediatric: Children <6 yr (safety not established).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

  • dizziness

Cardiovascular

  • myocardial infarction (life-threatening)
  • hypertension (most frequent)
  • angina pectoris
  • arterial spasm
  • intermittent claudication

Gastrointestinal

  • abdominal pain (most frequent)
  • nausea (most frequent)
  • vomiting (most frequent)
  • diarrhea
  • polydipsia

Musculoskeletal

  • extremity stiffness
  • muscle pain
  • stiff neck
  • stiff shoulders

Neurologic

  • leg weakness
  • numbness or tingling in fingers or toes

Miscellaneous

  • fatigue

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Concurrent use with beta blockers, oral contraceptives, macrolideanti-infectives (erythromycin ,troleandomycin ), ornicotine (heavy smoking) may ↑ risk of peripheral vasoconstriction.Dihydroergotamine antagonizes the antianginal effects of nitrates. Concurrent use with vasoconstrictors may have additive effects (avoid concurrent use).Concurrent use with almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan may result in prolonged vasoconstriction (allow 24 hr between use).

Route/Dosage

Sublingual (Adults) 1–2 mg initially, then 1–2 mg q 30 min until attack subsides or a total of 6 mg has been given. Should not be used more than twice weekly, with at least 5 days between courses; 1–2 mg PO at bedtime daily for 10–14 days have been used to terminate series of cluster headaches.

Availability

Sublingual tablets: 2 mg
In combination with: caffeine (Cafergot, Migergot). See combination drugs.

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess frequency, location, duration, and characteristics (pain, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances) of chronic headaches. During acute attack, assess type, location, and intensity of pain before and 60 min after administration.
  • Monitor BP and peripheral pulses periodically during therapy. Report any increases in BP.
  • Assess for signs of ergotism (cold, numb fingers and toes; nausea; vomiting; headache; muscle pain; weakness).
  • Assess for nausea and vomiting. Ergotamine stimulates the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
    • Toxicity is manifested by severe ergotism (chest pain, abdominal pain, persistent paresthesia in the extremities) and gangrene. Vasodilators, dextran, or heparin may be ordered to improve circulation.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Acute pain (Indications)
Risk for injury (Side Effects)
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

  • Administer as soon as patient reports prodromal symptoms or headache.
  • Sublingual: Allow tablet to dissolve under tongue. Do not allow patient to eat, drink, or smoke while tablet is dissolving.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to take ergotamine at the first sign of an impending headache and not to exceed the maximum dose prescribed.
    • Encourage patient to rest in a quiet, dark room after taking ergotamine.
    • Review symptoms of toxicity. Instruct patient to report these promptly.
    • Caution patient not to smoke and to avoid exposure to cold; these vasoconstrictors may further impair peripheral circulation.
    • May cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to the drug is known.
    • Advise patient to avoid alcohol, which may precipitate vascular headaches.
    • Instruct female patients to inform health care professional if they plan or suspect pregnancy. Ergotamine should not be taken during pregnancy.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Relief of pain from vascular headaches.
Drug Guide, © 2015 Farlex and Partners

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