The Basics
What is Ergotamine?
Used to prevent and treat migraine headaches.
Brand names for Ergotamine
Ergomar
How Ergotamine is classified
Adrenergic Alpha-Agonists, Analgesics – Non-Narcotic, Ergot Alkaloids, Vasoconstrictor Agents
Ergotamine During Pregnancy
Ergotamine pregnancy category
Category XNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ergotamine while pregnant
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
Taking Ergotamine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ergotamine?
Because there is limited published experience with ergotamine during breastfeeding and it might cause adverse effects in the infant, most authorities consider ergotamine to be undesirable to use during nursing.[1][2]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because there is limited published experience with ergotamine during breastfeeding and it might cause adverse effects in the infant, most authorities consider ergotamine to be undesirable to use during nursing.[1][2]
Possible effects of Ergotamine on milk supply
Thirty women who delivered fullterm infants received a single intramuscular dose of methylergonovine 0.2 mg after delivery, followed by oral ergotamine 1 mg 3 times daily for 6 days. Compared to 28 women who delivered fullterm infants and received no ergot derivatives, there was no difference in the milk production, as measured by weight differences before and after nursing, between the 2 groups during the first 6 days postpartum.[3]
Possible alternatives to Ergotamine
Sumatriptan, Eletriptan.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Moretti ME, Lee A, Ito S. Which drugs are contraindicated during breastfeeding? Can Fam Physician. 2000;46:1753-7. PMID: 11013791
2. WHO Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development. Breastfeeding and maternal medication. Recommendations for drugs in the eleventh WHO model list of essential drugs. 2002. http://whqlibdocwhoint/hq/2002/55732pdf
3. Jolivet A, Robyn C et al. [Effect of ergot alkaloid derivatives on milk secretion in the immediate postpartum period]. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 1978;7:129-34. PMID: 641312
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
