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Imitrex vs. Cafergot

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and ergotamine/caffeine (Cafergot, Migergot) are both medications used to treat migraines, but they have some important differences. Sumatriptan is a triptan, while ergotamine/caffeine is an ergot derivative combined with caffeine. Sumatriptan is available as an oral tablet and is typically taken as a single dose as soon as you feel the headache, with the option to take a second dose after 2 hours if needed. Ergotamine/caffeine is available as an oral tablet and a rectal suppository and is also taken as soon as you feel a headache. Both medications have specific dosing limits per 24-hour period and per week. Sumatriptan is available as a lower-cost generic, while ergotamine/caffeine is only availabele as a generic. Common side effects of sumatriptan include tingling or numbness, while ergotamine/caffeine can cause nausea and vomiting. Both medications can interact with other drugs. Sumatriptan should not be taken with other triptans or ergot derivatives, and ergotamine/caffeine should not be taken with certain antibiotics or protease inhibitors.

Sumatriptan

(Imitrex)

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Cafergot

(ergotamine / caffeine)

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Summary for Imitrex

Prescription only

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

Indications for Imitrex

  • Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Imitrex

Pros

Cons

  • Can't use to prevent migraines
  • Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
  • Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
  • Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children

Common Side Effects for Imitrex

  • Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
  • Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
  • Fatigue (2-3%)

Warnings for Imitrex

  • Heart problems and high blood pressure
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Allergic reactions
  • Seizures

Summary for Cafergot

Prescription only

Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

Indications for Cafergot

Pros and Cons for Cafergot

Pros

  • Suppository is a good option for people who've trouble swallowing pills
  • Tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
  • Can start to feel relief after a half hour (for the tablets) or an hour (for the suppository); and you may take an additional dose if no relief

Cons

  • Not for daily or long-term use
  • Can't take while pregnant
  • Not safe for use for people with kidney or liver problems
  • Rectal suppository is brand name only and requires refrigeration

Common Side Effects for Cafergot

  • Nausea

Warnings for Cafergot

  • Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
  • Fibrosis (scarring)
  • Allergic reaction to yellow dye

Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Cafergot

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Sumatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 100mg
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Ergotamine/Caffeine30 tablets / 1mg/100mg
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