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Compare Relpax vs. Cafergot

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

Key takeaways

Eletriptan (Relpax) and ergotamine/caffeine (Cafergot, Migergot) are both medications used to treat migraines, but they have some important differences. Eletriptan is a triptan, which works on serotonin receptors in the brain to relieve migraine pain, while ergotamine/caffeine is an ergot derivitative combined with caffeine that tightens blood vessels and calms certain parts of the brain. Eletriptan is available as an oral tablet and is taken at the first sign of a migraine, and can be taken again after 2 hours if needed. In contrast, ergotamine/caffeine is available as both an oral tablet and a rectal suppository, with specific limits on weekly usage to avoid serious side effects. Eletriptan comes as a brand and generic, while ergotamine/caffeine is only available as a generic. Common side effects of eletriptan include dizziness and sleepiness, while ergotamine/caffeine commonly causes nausea. You should not combine either medication with other triptans or ergot-like medications.

  • Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
  • Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

  • Summary of Relpax vs. Cafergot

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Eletriptan, also known by its brand name Relpax, is a triptan that's a first-choice treatment option for adults who have migraine attacks with or without aura. This medication is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth at the first sign of a migraine attack. The dosage can be repeated 2 hours later if the migraine comes back or doesn't go away. Side effects include making you sleepy and dizzy. Eletriptan (Relpax) is available as a lower-cost generic.

    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 Relpax vs. Cafergot

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

  • Pros and Cons of Relpax vs. Cafergot

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •Might provide migraine pain relief for a longer period of time than other triptans
    •One of the first-choice options for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Starts to work after 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet that's swallowed whole
    •Not recommended for people with severe liver damage
    •Not known if it's safe or works well for children
    •Not used for preventing migraines or treating other types of headaches
    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 Relpax vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 6%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Nausea (up to 5%)
    •Body weakness (up to 5%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Relpax vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Worsened headaches if eletriptan (Relpax) is taken too often
    •Serotonin syndrome
    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 Relpax vs. Cafergot

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    Learn more about Cafergot

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