Metergoline
Metergoline
Metergoline (pronounced: meh-ter-goh-leen) is a medication that is primarily used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and related conditions. It is a synthetic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye.
Etymology
The term "Metergoline" is derived from the Greek words "metra" (womb) and "ergon" (work), referring to its effects on the female reproductive system. The suffix "-oline" is common in chemical nomenclature and is used to denote a substance derived from another.
Usage
Metergoline is an ergot alkaloid and serotonin antagonist, which means it works by blocking the action of a natural substance in the body called serotonin. It is used to treat conditions caused by an excess of another hormone, prolactin. These conditions include amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods), infertility, and galactorrhea (abnormal milk production).
Related Terms
- Hyperprolactinemia: A condition characterized by an excess of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
- Ergot: A type of fungus that grows on rye and related plants. Ergot alkaloids, derived from this fungus, are used in several medications.
- Serotonin antagonist: A type of drug that blocks the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the brain.
- Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods in a woman of reproductive age.
- Infertility: The inability to conceive a child after a year of regular unprotected intercourse.
- Galactorrhea: The spontaneous flow of milk from the breast, unrelated to childbirth or nursing.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metergoline
- Wikipedia's article - Metergoline
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