Arterial response to ergotamine tartrate in abusing and non-abusing migraine patients

Ten former ergotamine abusers were given ergotamine tartrate 0.5 mg/70 kg intravenously. The arterial response was followed by measuring systolic blood pressures with strain gauge on arm, fingers, ankles and toes. Distal systolic blood pressures were significantly reduced relative to the arm level for 22 hours. The arterial response in these 10 patients was compared to the response in 17 migraine patients tested with the same technique. No differences were found. We conclude that hypersensitivity or tolerance to ergotamine tartrate is not observed in previous ergotamine abusers. Previous abuse is a relative contraindication to the use of ergotamine. But if ergotamine is the only effective drug, normal dosage can be used according to the present results.