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Compare Propranolol vs. Cafergot

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

Key takeaways

Propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Innopran XL) and ergotamine/caffeine (Cafergot, Migergot) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, chronic chest pain, and migraines, and it can also be used off-label for performance anxiety. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, which are taken by mouth. Common side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and weakness. On the other hand, ergotamine/caffeine is an ergot derivative combined with caffeine, used specifically to treat migraines and cluster headaches. It is available as a tablet or a rectal suppository. This medication is taken as soon as you feel a headache coming on, but it has a limit on how many doses you can take per week due to the risk of serious side effects like vomiting and numbness. Unlike propranolol, ergotamine/caffeine is not safe for use during pregnancy and has more specific contraindications, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. While both medications can help with migraines, propranolol is used more for prevention, whereas ergotamine/caffeine is used for acute treatment.

  • Propranolol
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
  • Propranolol
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

  • Summary of Propranolol vs. Cafergot

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

    Summary for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    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 of Propranolol vs. Cafergot

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)
    Indications for
    •Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

  • Pros and Cons of Propranolol vs. Cafergot

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks
    Pros and Const for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    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 of Propranolol vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Propranolol vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Allergic reaction to yellow dye

  • Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Cafergot

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