Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Norepinephrine
Severity: Major
Ergotamine and Norepinephrine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 drugs constrict blood vessels, and ergot alkaloids can potentiate the pressor response to norepinephrine. The result can be severe hypertension and tissue ischemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Norepinephrine 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 alpha-adrenergic and vascular smooth muscle vasoconstriction.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if norepinephrine is essential, withhold ergotamine and titrate the vasopressor with continuous blood pressure and perfusion monitoring.
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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References
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 Norepinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Norepinephrine 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 drugs constrict blood vessels, and ergot alkaloids can potentiate the pressor response to norepinephrine. The result can be severe hypertension and tissue ischemia.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Norepinephrine?
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 concurrent use where possible; if norepinephrine is essential, withhold ergotamine and titrate the vasopressor with continuous blood pressure and perfusion monitoring.
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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