Ergot Alkaloids

Question 1

Ergot alkaloids

Answer 1

Class: N/A

Mech: Agonist and antagonist actions at 5HT and alpha adrenergic receptors

Thera: N/A

Tox: Powerful hallucinations, smooth muscle contraction (vascular and uterine)

Question 2

Ergotamine

Answer 2

Class: Ergot alkaloid

Mech: Nonspecific partial agonist at all 5HT 1,2 receptors; partial agonist at alpha adrenergic receptors

Thera: Prodrome of migraines

Tox: N-V, cumulative and prolonged vasoconstriction

Question 3

Methysergide

Answer 3

Class: Ergot alkaloid

Mech: Partial agonist at all 5HT 1 receptors, antagonist at 5HT2

Thera: Prophylaxis of migraines

Tox: GI disturbances, inflammatory fibrosis (chronic use), hallucinations

Misc: Withdrawn from US market

Question 4

Ergonovine

Answer 4

Class: Ergot alkaloid

Mech: N/A

Thera: Postpartum hemorrhage

Question 5

Bromocriptine

Answer 5

Class: Ergot alkaloid

Mech: Dopamine agonist

Thera: Hyperprolactinemia