Drug interactions
Dextromethorphan + Ergotamine
Severity: Moderate
Dextromethorphan and Ergotamine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both agents affect serotonin pathways, and combined use could theoretically contribute to serotonin toxicity. Clinical reports are scarce.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextromethorphan and Ergotamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory; Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity from dextromethorphan reuptake inhibition and ergotamine 5-HT receptor agonism.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and sweating. Avoid large dextromethorphan doses during ergotamine use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextromethorphan with Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextromethorphan and Ergotamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both agents affect serotonin pathways, and combined use could theoretically contribute to serotonin toxicity. Clinical reports are scarce.
How serious is the interaction between Dextromethorphan and Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and sweating. Avoid large dextromethorphan doses during ergotamine use.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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