Skip to content

Drug interactions

Ergotamine + Nitroglycerin translingual

Severity: Major

Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin translingual: 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 can counteract the vasodilating effect of nitroglycerin spray, potentially reducing relief of angina. Ergot-induced coronary constriction may also worsen myocardial ischemia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin translingual 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 vasodilation.

What to do

Avoid ergotamine in patients relying on nitroglycerin; use an alternative migraine agent and assess for ischemic 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin translingual, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Ergotamine with Nitroglycerin translingual?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin translingual 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 can counteract the vasodilating effect of nitroglycerin spray, potentially reducing relief of angina. Ergot-induced coronary constriction may also worsen myocardial ischemia.

How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Nitroglycerin translingual?

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 relying on nitroglycerin; use an alternative migraine agent and assess for ischemic 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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in