Drug interactions
Ephedrine + Ergotamine
Severity: Major
Ephedrine and Ergotamine: major 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
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic with pressor and vasoconstrictor effects. Combined with ergotamine it may cause excessive vasoconstriction, severe hypertension and ischemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ephedrine and Ergotamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular; Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive alpha-adrenergic and ergot-mediated vasoconstriction.
What to do
Avoid the combination; if ephedrine is needed, monitor blood pressure and peripheral perfusion closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ephedrine with Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ephedrine and Ergotamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic with pressor and vasoconstrictor effects. Combined with ergotamine it may cause excessive vasoconstriction, severe hypertension and ischemia.
How serious is the interaction between Ephedrine and Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination; if ephedrine is needed, monitor blood pressure and peripheral perfusion closely.
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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