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Drug interactions

Ergotamine + Glyceryl trinitrate pr

Severity: Major

Ergotamine and Glyceryl trinitrate pr: 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

Ergotamine causes vasoconstriction and can oppose the vasodilating effect of nitrates, which may reduce antianginal efficacy. Ergotamine may also provoke coronary vasospasm, so the combination can worsen myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary disease.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ergotamine and Glyceryl trinitrate pr 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Pharmacodynamic antagonism between ergotamine vasoconstriction and nitrate-mediated vasodilation.

What to do

Avoid ergotamine in patients needing nitrates for angina. If glyceryl trinitrate is used for fissure treatment, monitor for reduced effect and ischemic symptoms, and prefer a non-ergot migraine therapy.

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?

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 Ergotamine with Glyceryl trinitrate pr?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Glyceryl trinitrate pr 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. Ergotamine causes vasoconstriction and can oppose the vasodilating effect of nitrates, which may reduce antianginal efficacy. Ergotamine may also provoke coronary vasospasm, so the combination can worsen myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary disease.

How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Glyceryl trinitrate pr?

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 ergotamine in patients needing nitrates for angina. If glyceryl trinitrate is used for fissure treatment, monitor for reduced effect and ischemic symptoms, and prefer a non-ergot migraine therapy.

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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