PRECAUTIONS
General
Although signs and symptoms of ergotism rarely develop even after long term intermittent use of the drug, care should be exercised to remain within the limits of recommended dosage. Ergotism is manifested by intense arterial vasoconstriction, producing signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular ischemia. Ergotamine induces vasoconstriction by a direct action on vascular smooth muscle. In chronic intoxication with ergot derivatives, headache, intermittent claudication, muscle pains, numbness, coldness and pallor of the digits may occur. If the condition is allowed to progress untreated, gangrene can result. While most cases of ergotism associated with ergotamine treatment result from frank overdosage, some cases have involved apparent hypersensitivity. There are few reports of ergotism among patients taking doses within the recommended limits or for brief periods of time. In rare instances, patients, particularly those who have used the medication indiscriminately over long periods of time, may display withdrawal symptoms consisting of rebound headache upon discontinuation of the drug.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category X: There are no studies on the placental transfer
or teratogenicity of Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®. Ergotamine crosses the placenta in small
amounts, although it does not appear to be embryotoxic in this quantity. However,
prolonged vasoconstriction of the uterine vessels and/or increased myometrial
tone leading to reduced myometrial and placental blood flow may have contributed
to fetal growth retardation observed in animals. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Nonteratogenic Effects
Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effects of
ergotamine (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Labor and Delivery
Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effect which
is maximal in the third trimester. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Nursing Mothers
Ergot drugs are known to inhibit prolactin but there are no reports of decreased lactation with Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®. Ergotamine is excreted in breast milk and may cause symptoms of vomiting diarrhea, weak pulse and unstable blood pressure in nursing infants. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Ergomar (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.