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Drug interactions

Dihydroergotamine + Ergotamine

Severity: Contraindicated

Dihydroergotamine and Ergotamine: contraindicated 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 are ergot alkaloids with vasoconstrictive actions. Together they can cause additive vasospasm and prolonged ischemia, and labeling advises against use of ergot drugs within a day of each other.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dihydroergotamine and Ergotamine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.

Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive vasoconstriction from ergot alkaloid agonism at serotonin and adrenergic receptors.

What to do

Do not use together or within 24 hours of each other. Choose a single ergot agent or a non-ergot alternative.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
  • If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
  • Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Ergotamine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Dihydroergotamine and Ergotamine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Both are ergot alkaloids with vasoconstrictive actions. Together they can cause additive vasospasm and prolonged ischemia, and labeling advises against use of ergot drugs within a day of each other.

How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Ergotamine?

MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together or within 24 hours of each other. Choose a single ergot agent or a non-ergot alternative.

What other medicines interact with Ergotamine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ergotamine with, for example, Almotriptan, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Ergotamine page.

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