Ergotamine/chlorcyclizine/caffeine

Ergotamine/chlorcyclizine/caffeine is a combination medication used to treat migraine headaches. It contains three active ingredients: ergotamine, chlorcyclizine, and caffeine.

Composition

The medication is composed of three active ingredients:

• Ergotamine: A medication most commonly used for the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. It is an alkaloid derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which grows on rye and other grains.

• Chlorcyclizine: An antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions and to relieve nasal congestion and sinusitis. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

• Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant that is used to reduce physical fatigue and to prevent or treat drowsiness. It has also been used to treat migraines and other types of headaches.

Uses

This combination medication is used to treat migraine headaches. It works by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain and reducing substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as muscle pain or weakness, changes in heart rate, and swelling or itching.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease. It is also important to inform the healthcare provider about any other medications being taken, as there may be potential interactions.

Etymology

The term "ergotamine" is derived from Ergot, the name of a group of fungi in the genus Claviceps from which the compound was first isolated. The term "chlorcyclizine" is a combination of "chloro-", a prefix meaning "green", and "cyclizine", a type of antihistamine. The term "caffeine" is derived from the Italian word "caffè", meaning coffee, a common source of caffeine.

See Also

• Migraine
• Ergot Alkaloids
• Antihistamines
• Caffeine

Ergotamine/chlorcyclizine/caffeine Resources
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