Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Ergotamine and Phenobarbital: moderate 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
Phenobarbital can lower ergotamine concentrations and reduce its efficacy. The effect develops over days to weeks and persists after phenobarbital is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Phenobarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4, increasing ergotamine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for reduced migraine control and consider a non-ergot alternative. Do not exceed labeled ergotamine doses.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ergotamine and Phenobarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Phenobarbital can lower ergotamine concentrations and reduce its efficacy. The effect develops over days to weeks and persists after phenobarbital is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for reduced migraine control and consider a non-ergot alternative. Do not exceed labeled ergotamine doses.
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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