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Compare Relpax vs. Ergotamine

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

Key takeaways

Relpax (eletriptan) and Ergomar (ergotamine) are both prescription medications used to treat migraines, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Relpax is a triptan that works by attaching to serotonin receptors in the brain, tightening blood vessels, and reducing swelling to relieve migraine pain. It is taken orally as a tablet and can be repeated after 2 hours if needed, with a maximum of 80 mg per day. On the other hand, Ergomar is an ergot derivative that also tightens blood vessels but is taken sublingually (under the tongue) and can be repeated after 30 minutes, with a maximum of 6 mg per day and 10 mg per week. Relpax is generally a first-choice treatment for migraines, while Ergomar is not typically a first-choice option but can be used for both migraines and cluster headaches. Relpax can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, whereas Ergomar can cause weakness and vomiting. Additionally, Ergomar is known to cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy, while the safety of Relpax during pregnancy is less clear.

  • Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Ergomar (ergotamine)
  • Eletriptan (Relpax)
    Ergomar (ergotamine)

  • Summary of Relpax vs. Ergotamine

    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
    Prescription only

    Ergomar (ergotamine) treats migraines. It's an ergot medication. It works by lessening inflammation in the brain and calming certain parts of the brain. Ergomar (ergotamine) is a brand-name medication that comes as sublingual tablets for adults. You place it under the tongue to dissolve as soon as you feel like you're about to have a migraine or headache. Side effects include nausea and vomiting.

  • Indications of Relpax vs. Ergotamine

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraines

  • Pros and Cons of Relpax vs. Ergotamine

    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
    Pros
    •Dissolves under the tongue, so it's easy to take
    •Can take a second tablet 30 minutes after you first take it if you need more relief
    •Can take on an as-needed basis
    Cons
    •Doesn't work as well as triptans
    •Not recommended for preventing migraines
    •Not for daily or long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Relpax vs. Ergotamine

    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
    •Vomiting
    •Numbness or tingling
    •Weakness

  • Warnings of Relpax vs. Ergotamine

    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
    •Poor blood flow through the body
    •More severe blood circulation problems due to drug interactions
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Harm to an unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Relpax vs. Ergotamine

    Learn more about Eletriptan
    Learn more about Ergomar

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