Category:

• Nervous system

Description:

• Antimigraine agent

Indications:

• Abortive therapy for vascular headaches including migraine and cluster headaches

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy, peripheral vascular disease, hepatic or renal impairment

• Coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, sepsis

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X; excreted in breast milk; has caused symptoms of ergotism (vomiting and diarrhea) in the infant

• Prolonged administration, excessive dosage

• DO NOT exceed recommended dosage

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: chest pain, coronary vasoconstriction (large doses), transient tachycardia or bradycardia, increase or decrease in blood pressure

• GI: nausea, vomiting

• MISC: itching, localized edema, muscle pain in extremities, numbness and tingling of fingers and toes, weakness in legs

Dosage:

Administered orally and rectally

• Adult:   

  • PO 2mg stat, then 1-2mg every ½ hour as needed until relief, not to exceed 6mg daily or 10mg per week

  • PR 1 suppository stat, then ½ suppository every hour as needed until relief, not to exceed 2mg per attack

• Older Child and Adolescent: 

  • PO 1mg stat, then 1mg every ½ hour as needed until relief, not to exceed 3mg per attack