These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
azithromycine and ergotamine
Question: Can I use azithromycine capsules (zithromax) and ergotamine together?
Answer: It is probably not advisable to take these two drugs together.
Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a member of a class of antibiotics known as the macrolides which are derived from a type of fungus. Ironically, ergotamine, known by such brand names as Ergomar and Cafergot, is also derived from a fungus! Azithromycin is used to treat various respiratory and skin infections, although it is a rather expensive drug for these purposes, costing up to eight times more than cheaper equivalents. Ergotamine is useful in treating migraine and cluster headaches, and acts by constricting blood vessels.
Macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin have been known to increase the amount of ergotamine in the body to the point where it causes “ergotism,” which means the excess constriction of blood vessels in the legs or arms leading to numbness and inadequate blood flow. This condition can be very serious, and must be treated immediately.
You should report this potential interaction to your doctor immediately and discuss alternative treatments.
