Ergotamine

Synonyms

12'-Hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'alpha-(phenylmethyl)ergotaman-3',6',18-trione; Ergonsvine; Ergotaman-3',6',18-trione, 12'-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'-(phenylmethyl)-, (5'alpha)-; Ergotamin; Ergotamina [INN-Spanish]; Ergotaminum [INN-Latin]; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Mycotoxins

Description

Highly hygroscopic solid; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Ergot lysergic acid alkaloid produced by Claviceps species (fungal pathogens) commonly found on various grasses; Used to treat migraines (in pure form); [Reference #1] An alkaloid produced by fungi growing on rye; [Hawley]

Comments

Ergotism refers to human poisonings from ingestion of cereals infected with ergot sclerotia, usually from bread made with contaminated flour; Ergotism occurs usually as either gangrene of the extremities or convulsions; [Reference #1] A vasoconstrictor present in ergot of Central Europe; Decomposes in air, heat, and light; [Merck Index] Ergot poisoning commonly produces vascular stasis, thrombosis, and gangrene; May cause damage to capillary endothelium; Epigastric distress, diarrhea, weakness in the legs, paresthesias of the fingers and toes, chest pain, and transient tachycardia and bradycardia have been reported in patients administered orally and parenterally; Exposure during pregnancy thought to cause birth defects of vascular disruptive etiology; [HSDB] Not indicated for use during pregnancy due to vasoconstriction and stimulation of uterine contractions; Has not been proven to increase congenital defects when used during pregnancy; [REPROTOX] Causes convulsions, respiratory stimulation, and increased body temperature in subcutaneous lethal-dose studies of rats; Caused changes in teeth and supporting structures and skin corrosion in 17-day intermittent subcutaneous study of humans; [RTECS]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Other CNS neurotoxin

Other Information

No other related information on this agent was found.