Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Zafirlukast
Severity: Moderate
Ergotamine and Zafirlukast: 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
Ergotamine toxicity (ergotism with peripheral ischemia) is a concern with CYP3A4 inhibitors. Zafirlukast is only a weak or in vitro CYP3A4 inhibitor, so the real risk is uncertain but the consequences could be severe.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Zafirlukast 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.
Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Zafirlukast belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Possible weak CYP3A4 inhibition by zafirlukast reducing ergotamine clearance.
What to do
Monitor for numbness, tingling, cold extremities, nausea and vasospasm, and stop ergotamine if they appear. Use a triptan or other migraine therapy if concern persists.
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 Zafirlukast
- Pimozide + Zafirlukast Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Zafirlukast Major
- Nilotinib + Zafirlukast Major
- Warfarin + Zafirlukast Major
- Apalutamide + Zafirlukast Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Zafirlukast Moderate
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 Zafirlukast?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ergotamine and Zafirlukast 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. Ergotamine toxicity (ergotism with peripheral ischemia) is a concern with CYP3A4 inhibitors. Zafirlukast is only a weak or in vitro CYP3A4 inhibitor, so the real risk is uncertain but the consequences could be severe.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Zafirlukast?
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 numbness, tingling, cold extremities, nausea and vasospasm, and stop ergotamine if they appear. Use a triptan or other migraine therapy if concern persists.
What other medicines interact with Zafirlukast?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zafirlukast with, for example, Pimozide, Lomitapide, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Zafirlukast page.
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