Lower extremity ischemia due to combined drug therapy for migraine

Postgrad Med. 1982 Oct;72(4):103-5, 107. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1982.11716216.

Abstract

Three days after initiation of migraine headache therapy with ergotamine tartrate and propranolol, severe acute arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities developed in a 48-year-old woman who had been in general good health. Angiography revealed hypoplastic aortoiliac arteries, with tubular narrowing of the leg arteries. Lower extremity blood pressures rapidly returned to normal with a single intraarterial injection of 25 mg of tolazoline. Cases of peripheral ischemia due to either ergotamine or propranolol have been reported. Combined use of these two drugs may enhance the risk of acute arterial compromise.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Ergotamine
  • Ergotamines / administration & dosage
  • Ergotamines / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / chemically induced*
  • Leg / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / adverse effects*
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects

Substances

  • Ergotamines
  • Propranolol
  • Ergotamine