Dopamine and Ergotamine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Dopamine
No brand names on recordErgotamine
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Peripheral vasoconstriction and gangrene
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant administration of DOPamine and ergonovine has been reported to result in peripheral ischemia and gangrene of hands and feet in one patient2. DOPamine alone has been associated with pedal gangrene secondary to peripheral vasoconstriction 1 and the combination of an ergot alkaloid may accentuate this effect. Concomitant use of DOPamine and ergotamine is contraindicated 3.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Peripheral vasoconstriction
Common questions
Can I take Dopamine and Ergotamine together?
Peripheral vasoconstriction and gangrene Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Dopamine and Ergotamine interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Dopamine or Ergotamine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (3)
- Alexander CS, Sako Y, & Mikulic E: Pedal gangrene associated with the use of dopamine. N Engl J Med 1975; 293:591. PubMed
- Buchanan N, Cane RD, & Miller M: Symmetrical gangrene of the extremities associated with the use of dopamine subsequent to ergometrine administration. Intensive Care Med 1977; 3:55-56. PubMed
- Product Information: Bellergal-S(R), phenobarbital sodium, ergotamine tartrate, belladonna alkaloids. Sandoz Pharmceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, 1997. DailyMed
Keep reading about Dopamine
Keep reading about Ergotamine
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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