Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Nitroglycerin po
Severity: Major
Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin po: 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's vasoconstrictor action opposes the antianginal effect of nitrates, and ergot derivatives may precipitate angina or raise blood pressure. Nitroglycerin may also raise ergotamine levels, though this is poorly established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin po 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
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between ergotamine vasoconstriction and nitrate vasodilation; a possible reduction in ergotamine metabolism is not well established.
What to do
Avoid ergotamine in patients needing nitrates, and use a non-vasoconstrictive migraine treatment. If both are used, monitor blood pressure and anginal symptoms.
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 Nitroglycerin po?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin po 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's vasoconstrictor action opposes the antianginal effect of nitrates, and ergot derivatives may precipitate angina or raise blood pressure. Nitroglycerin may also raise ergotamine levels, though this is poorly established.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin po?
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, and use a non-vasoconstrictive migraine treatment. If both are used, monitor blood pressure and anginal symptoms.
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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