Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Metronidazole
Severity: Major
Ergotamine and Metronidazole: 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
Metronidazole may increase ergotamine exposure and has been linked to ergotism in case reports. Ergotism causes severe vasoconstriction and ischemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Metronidazole 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Metronidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism of ergotamine, raising its concentration.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose another antimicrobial. If used, monitor for paresthesia, cold extremities and ischemic symptoms and stop ergotamine if they occur.
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 Metronidazole
- Ethanol + Metronidazole Contraindicated
- Metronidazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Metronidazole Major
- Disulfiram + Metronidazole Major
- Lomitapide + Metronidazole Major
- Lonafarnib + Metronidazole 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 Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Metronidazole 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. Metronidazole may increase ergotamine exposure and has been linked to ergotism in case reports. Ergotism causes severe vasoconstriction and ischemia.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Metronidazole?
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 where possible and choose another antimicrobial. If used, monitor for paresthesia, cold extremities and ischemic symptoms and stop ergotamine if they occur.
What other medicines interact with Metronidazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metronidazole with, for example, Ethanol, Pimozide, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Metronidazole page.
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