Treatment of ergotamine overdosage consists of the withdrawal of the drug followed by symptomatic measures including attempts to maintain an adequate circulation in the affected parts. Anticoagulant drugs, low molecular weight dextran and potent vasodilator drugs may all be beneficial. Intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside has also been reported to be successful. Vasodilators must be used with special care in the presence of hypotension. Nausea and vomiting may be relieved by atropine or antiemetic compounds of the phenothiazine group.
Ergotamine is dialyzable.
All efforts should be made to initiate therapy as soon as possible after the first symptoms of the attacks are noted, since success is proportional to rapidity of treatment, and lower dosages will be effective. At the first sign of an attack or to relieve symptoms after onset of an attack one 2 mg tablet is placed under the tongue. Another tablet should be taken at half-hour intervals thereafter, if necessary, but dosage must not exceed three tablets in any 24 hour period. Protect from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.