Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Severity: Major
Ergotamine and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 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
Both agents cause vasoconstriction and MDMA raises blood pressure and heart rate through sympathomimetic and serotonergic actions. Together they may produce severe vasospasm, hypertensive crisis and ischemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic vasoconstriction and pressor effects from ergot alpha-adrenergic and serotonergic agonism plus MDMA monoamine release.
What to do
Avoid combining; counsel patients not to use MDMA while taking ergotamine. Monitor blood pressure and peripheral perfusion if exposure occurs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ergotamine with Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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. Both agents cause vasoconstriction and MDMA raises blood pressure and heart rate through sympathomimetic and serotonergic actions. Together they may produce severe vasospasm, hypertensive crisis and ischemia.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
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 combining; counsel patients not to use MDMA while taking ergotamine. Monitor blood pressure and peripheral perfusion if exposure occurs.
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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