Ergotamine and Caffeine

pronounced as (er got' a meen) (kaf' een)

Brand Name(s): Cafergot®, Ercaf®, Wigraine®, also available generically
Back to Drug Library

Why is this medicine prescribed?

The combination of ergotamine and caffeine is used to prevent and treat migraine headaches. Caffeine is a CNS stimulant. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Ergotamine is in a class of medications called ergot alkaloids. It works together with caffeine to prevent blood vessels in the head from expanding and causing headaches.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

The combination of ergotamine and caffeine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take two tablets at the first sign of a migraine headache. If your headache does not improve, you may take one more tablet after 30 minutes. If needed, take one tablet every 30 minutes until headache pain stops. If headache pain continues after you have taken six tablets, call your doctor. Do not take more than 6 tablets for one headache.

Take ergotamine and caffeine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you take ergotamine and caffeine more often or for longer than the recommended period of time, your headaches may get worse or may occur more often. Call your doctor if your headaches do not get better or occur more frequently after taking ergotamine and caffeine.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking ergotamine and caffeine,

  • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
  • the following nonprescription product may interact with ergotamine and caffeine: nicotine. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking ergotamine and caffeine. Do not start this medications while taking ergotamine and caffeine without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure; peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in blood vessels); sepsis (a severe blood infection); or heart, kidney, or liver disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take egotamine and caffeine.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had Raynaud's disease or lung problems.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant while you are taking ergotamine and caffeine. If you become pregnant while taking ergotamine and caffeine, call your doctor immediately. Ergotamine and caffeine may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes while using this medication increases the risk of serious side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • vomiting
  • numbness, tingling or pain in fingers and toes
  • blue color in fingers and toes
  • lack of pulse
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • fainting
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • coma
  • seizures

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Ergotamine and caffeine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

  • nausea
  • vomiting

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

  • leg weakness
  • chest pain; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; or dizziness
  • muscle pain in the legs or arms
  • blue color in fingers and toes
  • numbness, tingling, or pain in fingers and toes
  • swelling or itching

Ergotamine and caffeine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information. Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS ® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ® , 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: March 15, 2026.