Cafergot Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: In animal studies, testing revealed a teratogenic effect with ergotamine tartrate. These effects can be attributed to a reduction in the utero-placental blood flow (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Data concerning the use of ergotamine tartrate during pregnancy are limited.
In addition, this product has vasoconstrictive and oxytocic properties. Consequently, Cafergot should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: Ergot derivatives are excreted into breast milk, and therefore breast-feeding is contraindicated during treatment with this medicinal product. Ergotamine and caffeine are excreted into breast milk. Ergotamine may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weak pulse and irregular blood pressure in neonates. Cafergot is therefore contraindicated in breast-feeding mothers.
Fertility: In male rats receiving oral ergotamine and caffeine as combination therapy (1:100), fertility is not affected (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).