Cafergot

Vascular Headaches, Postpartum state, Cluster Headache + 2 more

Treatment

4 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Cafergot

What is Cafergot

Ergotamine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Caffeine is a drug found in coffee beans, tea, and cocoa beans that is used for a variety of purposes. It is most commonly used to treat drowsiness and is found in many cosmetic products. It can be ingested, inhaled, injected, or applied topically. Caffeine was first approved by the FDA in 1999 as an injection to treat apnea in premature babies. Premature birth can lead to apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and caffeine is beneficial in preventing and treating these conditions, improving the quality of life of premature infants.

Cafergot

is the brand name

Cafergot Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Cafergot

Ergotamine

1953

15

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Ergotamine, also known as Cafergot, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses which include Migraine and Cluster Headache .

Migraine

Cluster Headache

Vascular Headaches

Used to treat Vascular Headaches in combination with Caffeine

Neuralgia

Effectiveness

How Cafergot Affects Patients

Caffeine helps wake you up and can make you feel more alert. It can also make you feel jittery or anxious at times. It can help relax your muscles, make your heart beat faster, and even improve your sports performance. Caffeine can increase stomach acid production and speed up digestion, and it is often combined with other medications to relieve migraine and headache symptoms. Finally, caffeine is a mild diuretic and can help your body get rid of extra fluid.

How Cafergot works in the body

Caffeine works in many different ways to affect the body. It blocks certain enzymes and receptors to help with alertness, causes diuretic effects, releases catecholamines, and dilates blood vessels. This can lead to increased respiratory drive, stimulation of heart contractility, and increased blood pressure for those who don't consume it regularly. Caffeine can also help with migraines and headaches by constricting the blood vessels in the brain.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended quantity of Cafergot is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Overdose, Drug, Catarrh and Athletic Performance. The portion of dosage will vary as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Tablet - Oral) detailed in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Migraine

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, 9.0 mg/mL

, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Aerosol - Oral, Aerosol

Vascular Headaches

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, 9.0 mg/mL

, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Aerosol - Oral, Aerosol

Cluster Headache

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, 9.0 mg/mL

, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Aerosol - Oral, Aerosol

Postpartum state

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, 9.0 mg/mL

, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Aerosol - Oral, Aerosol

Uterine Inertia

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, 9.0 mg/mL

, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Sublingual, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Aerosol - Oral, Aerosol

Warnings

Cafergot has one contraindication, therefore it should not be consumed under the circumstances specified in the table below.

Cafergot Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Liver Diseases

Do Not Combine

Renal Insufficiency

Do Not Combine

Coronary Heart Disease

Do Not Combine

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Hypertensive disease

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Cafergot.

Common Cafergot Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

(R)-warfarin

Major

The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Ergotamine.

(S)-Warfarin

Major

The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Ergotamine.

1,2-Benzodiazepine

Major

The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Ergotamine.

3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid

Major

The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Ergotamine.

4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine

Major

Ergotamine may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.

Cafergot Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Caffeine is toxic to rats in doses greater than 192 mg/kg. In humans, an overdose of around 10-14 grams is fatal. Signs of caffeine overdose may include seizures, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, increased heart rate, and tremors. In severe cases, it can lead to death. To treat a caffeine overdose, medical professionals may use activated charcoal, hemodialysis, benzodiazepines, IV fluids, vasopressors, magnesium, and beta blockers. If arrhythmias are present, attempts to resuscitate may be necessary.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Cafergot Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cafergot?

Presently, 429 active trials are underway to investigate the potential of Cafergot to alleviate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain and Migraine symptoms.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Vascular Headaches

0 Actively Recruiting

Migraine

51 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Postpartum state

11 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1

Uterine Inertia

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Cluster Headache

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2

Cafergot Reviews: What are patients saying about Cafergot?

5

Patient Review

5/17/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

It's so frustrating that this medication is no longer available; it worked perfectly for me! I've been dealing with migraines for 28 years, and I can't take the newer class of migraine medications because they cause shortness of breath. Fioricet works just as well as Cafergot did, but it's not a long-term solution.

5

Patient Review

5/5/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I've been taking this medication for years and it's the only thing that has ever helped me with my migraines. I'm really disappointed that it's no longer on the market, and would love to know if anyone has found anything similar that works just as well.

5

Patient Review

2/10/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I've been taking cafergot for 20 years and I can't imagine how you all suffer without it. Fortunately, it's still available in Asia today. You can buy it in Indonesia or Singapore.

5

Patient Review

11/6/2013

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I've been taking Cafergot for migraines since the late '70s, and they always worked perfectly for me. When I couldn't get them anymore, I switched to Fioricet and it works just as well.

5

Patient Review

9/20/2013

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I adore this medication! It's by far the best I've ever tried for migraines. But it's not carried where I live, which is so frustrating. Does anyone know if it can be purchased elsewhere?

5

Patient Review

8/30/2014

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I was really bummed when Cafergot was discontinued in the United States, but my doctor recommended MIGERGOT as a generic replacement. It's been just as effective for me.

5

Patient Review

1/12/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

Cafergot has been an absolute godsend. I've had chronic headaches my whole life and nothing else has come close to providing the relief that this medication did. Unfortunately, I can no longer find it anywhere. If anyone knows of a place where I can get it, please let me know!

5

Patient Review

4/10/2013

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

This medication has been great for controlling my migraines. I take it as needed, and usually only one pill is sufficient. It's also much better than the other options I've tried.

5

Patient Review

10/10/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I'm so glad this drug has been around for over 20 years. It's really helped me and I hope they never take it off the market. Does anyone know of anything else that might work just as well?

5

Patient Review

4/4/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I've been taking this medication for 30 years and it has really helped me. I've tried other medications, but they gave me bad reactions. I hope that Cafergot will be available again soon.

5

Patient Review

3/5/2014

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

This is the only migraine medication that has worked for me. I'm glad it's still available through a compounding pharmacy.

5

Patient Review

1/9/2020

Cafergot for Cluster Headache

I'm so glad I was able to find this treatment. It's not available in Canada, but it was worth the effort to get it shipped here.

5

Patient Review

6/19/2014

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I was disappointed to learn that this medication has been discontinued in my province. I'm hoping to find something else that works just as well.

5

Patient Review

1/20/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I'm really disappointed that I can't find this product anymore.

5

Patient Review

12/27/2012

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I've had migraines for over 30 years and Cafergot is the only drug that has helped me. If you're struggling to find this medication, know that you can buy it through overseas methods.

4.3

Patient Review

12/23/2011

Cafergot for Cluster Headache

It's effective at quickly removing headaches when they start.

3.7

Patient Review

3/26/2022

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I started this yesterday and unfortunately it's made me feel very nauseous. I also had to wake up in the middle of the night because of stomach pain.

3.3

Patient Review

11/30/2016

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

I find that I need to take cafergot alongside a painkiller every time in order to manage my migraines.

1

Patient Review

5/22/2013

Cafergot for Migraine Headache

After taking this medication for migraines, I was very surprised to find that it caused me severe nausea and vomiting. It's no wonder this drug has been taken off the market.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about cafergot

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Cafergot tablets used for?

"This medication is a combination of drugs that is used to either treat or prevent specific types of headaches. These headaches are caused by the widening of blood vessels in the head. Ergotamine works by narrowing these widened blood vessels."

Answered by AI

Why was Cafergot taken off the market?

"Cafergot was removed from store shelves because it was too costly. Migergot does the same job but the base ingredient is not as strong, and it caused me abdominal swelling and bloating."

Answered by AI

Is Cafergot good for migraine?

"Cafergot will only provide relief for an already existing headache, not preventing future migraines or reducing the number of attacks. It also shouldn't be used to treat tension headaches that seem different from your regular migraines."

Answered by AI

What class of drug is Cafergot?

"Cafergot is a prescription drug that can help relieve the symptoms of migraines. It may be used on its own or in combination with other medications. Cafergot works by belong to a class of drugs called Ergot Alkaloids, which help to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Cafergot

Image of University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, United States.

Middle Meningeal Artery Stimulation for Migraine

18 - 100
All Sexes
Galveston, TX

This study is testing a new way to help with migraine headaches. Researchers want to see if it's safe and doable to stimulate a blood vessel in the head (called the middle meningeal artery) with microcatheters and microwires. This has never been done before for migraines and is an investigational treatment that is not part of standard migraine treatment. This stimulation would happen just before giving the standard lidocaine treatment, which is already routinely used for migraines. The goal is to see whether this new step could help improve headache outcomes. Two FDA-cleared medical devices will be used, the Cadwell Cascade 32 PRO and the Cadwell Guardian IONM System, to perform the stimulation and monitoring. In this study, the Cascade 32 PRO will be used in a way that is not part of its usual approved purpose (this is called "off-label" use) to gently deliver electrical pulses through a microcatheter. The Cadwell Guardian IONM System will be used in its normal, FDAapproved way for continuous monitoring during stimulation.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Texas Medical Branch

Peter Kan, MD,MPH

Image of American University in Washington D.C., United States.

Dietary Intervention for Migraine

18 - 75
All Sexes
Washington D.C., United States

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a low-glutamate diet can improve migraine symptoms in adults with migraine and to explore possible biological changes associated with dietary improvement. The study focuses on whether reducing dietary glutamate intake may influence processes involved in migraine, such as brain excitation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does following a low-glutamate diet reduce the number of migraine days and the severity and duration of migraine attacks, and improve quality of life? Are improvements in migraine symptoms associated with changes in blood-based biological markers related to migraine activity? Researchers will compare participants assigned to the low-glutamate diet with participants assigned to a wait-list control group to evaluate differences in migraine outcomes and related biological measures. Participants will: Complete a baseline run-in period while tracking headaches using a daily migraine diary Either follow a low-glutamate dietary intervention or continue their usual diet as part of a wait-list control Complete standardized questionnaires related to migraine symptoms and quality of life Provide blood samples for laboratory analyses Undergo neuroimaging assessments (for a subset of participants)

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

American University

Image of University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

STORK Program for Postpartum Well-Being

18+
All Sexes
Vancouver, Canada

Becoming parents exerts powerful and long-lasting effects on couples' well-being and quality of life. The transition to parenthood (TtP; pregnancy to 12-months postpartum) poses significant challenges as couples balance the task of caring for a newborn while maintaining their romantic relationship. One crucial way that couples sustain their connection is through their sexuality. Most new parents experience significant disruptions to their sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, desire, distress), with sexual concerns such as reduced sexual frequency and lack of time and energy for sex being nearly ubiquitous. Simultaneously, most new parents lack easily accessible, reliable information on the common sexual changes associated with the TtP and there is a lack of evidence-based research aimed at helping couples navigate changes to their sexual well-being across this life transition. The investigators have identified risk (e.g., stress) and protective (e.g., intimacy) factors for couples' sexual well-being across the TtP that can be targeted in a prevention program, though no such programs exist. The goal of this two-centre randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy of STORK (Supporting the Transition to Parenthood through Online Sex and Relationship Knowledge), a novel couple-based online program to support new parents' sexual well-being. This program comprises psychoeducation about common sexual changes as well as skills that couples can develop together to manage these changes and constitutes the first evidence-based program for new parent couples' sexual well-being. The investigators expect that, compared to a waitlist control group, couples who complete STORK will have better sexual, relational, and psychological adjustment across the transition to parenthood (from 13 to 27-weeks gestation to 12-months postpartum). Given that up to 78% of new parents report receiving little-to-no information about what to expect regarding changes to their postpartum sexual relationship, this study addresses the need for accessible, couple-based supports for this commonly challenging transition. By strengthening couples' sexual relationships, the results of this research have the potential to promote the quality of new parents' relationships, strengthening the overall well-being of their families during this critical life stage.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

University of British Columbia (+1 Sites)

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Image of University of California San Diego in La Jolla, United States.

AI Chatbot for Postpartum Loneliness

18+
Female
La Jolla, CA

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a postpartum chatbot powered by generative artificial intelligence (genAI) can help new mothers get better pelvic floor health information and feel less lonely after childbirth. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does using the chatbot improve postpartum pelvic floor health knowledge? * Does using the chatbot help reduce feelings of loneliness during the postpartum period? * Does using the chatbot impact pelvic floor symptoms? Researchers will compare standard postpartum care to standard care plus the chatbot. Participants will: Be assigned by chance (like flipping a coin) to standard postpartum care with or without access to the chatbot. If in the chatbot group, participants will receive education and support via the chatbot over a 4-week period. Both groups will complete questionnaires to measure their pelvic floor knowledge, pelvic floor symptoms, feelings of loneliness, depression, infant bonding, perceived social support, adverse childhood experiences, and peri-traumatic distress. The chatbot was created by urogynecology experts in collaboration with UC San Diego computer science and biomedical informatics researchers. The chatbot is designed to give new mothers personalized, evidence-based information and support in real time.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

University of California San Diego

Image of Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, United States.

Embolization for Migraine

18 - 80
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

This study is to test the safety and feasibility of a procedure called embolization of the middle meningeal arteries (MMA), using a product called Onyx. Embolization creates a plug in the arteries. MMA embolization with Onyx is not approved for use in patients with migraines, but is currently used in patients with subdural hematomas. The FDA is allowing the use of Onyx in this study. It is thought that by using Onyx to block the middle meningeal arteries, the amount of migraine-causing substances which are released into the brain's bloodstream will be reduced. The company that manufactures Onyx, Medtronic, is providing the supplies for this study. Participants will be in the study for about 8 months after enrolling, including 6 months of follow up after the procedure. The participants will be asked to complete a daily headache diary and continue the participant's regular migraine medications. Participants will also have several clinic visits and be asked to provide blood samples for research.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Risheng Xu, MD, PhD

Medtronic

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Image of University of Maryland in Baltimore, United States.

Contingency Management for Substance Use During Pregnancy

18+
Female
Baltimore, MD

Substance use during pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, with 55-80% of postpartum patients disengaging from substance use disorder (SUD) treatment within one year of delivery. Structural and social determinants of health, including housing instability, transportation barriers, and limited childcare access, further exacerbate disparities in treatment retention. This pilot study, conducted in two specialized prenatal care clinics, evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of two integrated strategies to promote sustained engagement in recovery-oriented services during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Aim 1 implements a standardized social needs screening and referral protocol to connect patients with community-based supports. Aim 2 pilots a contingency management intervention to incentivize recovery-supportive behaviors. Findings will inform the design of a larger multi-site randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of these interventions on treatment retention, overdose prevention, and maternal-infant health outcomes.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Maryland (+1 Sites)

Ana Baumann Walker, PhD, MA

Image of Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Canada.

MOVIN Care Platform for Postpartum Depression

18+
Female
Toronto, Canada

Depression, anxiety, and related disorders such as post-traumatic stress and obsessive compulsive disorder affect about 20% of pregnant and postpartum people. When not treated properly, these issues negatively impact not only affected people, but also their children's health and development. Only 1 in 5 receive adequate treatment, so identifying new system-wide approaches to reliably deliver recommended care to perinatal mental health patients all is a crucial health care priority. The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental health Optimization Virtual Intervention Network (MOVIN) is a scalable perinatal mental health platform building on the evidence-based Collaborative care delivery model. MOVIN's online platform allows patients to connect with a care coordinator to co-develop personalized treatment recommendations, in collaboration with their primary care clinician and a perinatal psychiatrist when needed; progress is tracked to re-evaluate.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Women's College Hospital

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