Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Lithium
Severity: Minor
Ergotamine and Lithium: minor 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 has serotonergic activity and lithium may enhance serotonin function, so additive effects are theoretically possible. Documented serotonin syndrome from this pair is rare, and the main ergotamine concerns are vasoconstriction and interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects; no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
Keep ergotamine at the lowest effective dose and avoid frequent use. Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, fever, diarrhea or cold, painful extremities.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
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 Ergotamine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ergotamine and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ergotamine has serotonergic activity and lithium may enhance serotonin function, so additive effects are theoretically possible. Documented serotonin syndrome from this pair is rare, and the main ergotamine concerns are vasoconstriction and interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Keep ergotamine at the lowest effective dose and avoid frequent use. Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, fever, diarrhea or cold, painful extremities.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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