Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Ergotamine and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4 and can substantially lower ergotamine concentrations, leading to loss of efficacy. The induction persists for up to two weeks after rifampin is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Rifampin 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
Rifampin induces CYP3A4 and intestinal transporters, increasing ergotamine clearance.
What to do
Monitor for reduced migraine control and use a non-ergot alternative if needed. Reassess ergotamine response after rifampin is discontinued.
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 Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ergotamine and Rifampin 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. Rifampin strongly induces CYP3A4 and can substantially lower ergotamine concentrations, leading to loss of efficacy. The induction persists for up to two weeks after rifampin is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Rifampin?
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 use a non-ergot alternative if needed. Reassess ergotamine response after rifampin is discontinued.
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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