Dihydroergotamine

Dihydroergotamine (pronounced: dye-hye-droh-er-got-uh-meen) is a medication primarily used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. It is a derivative of ergotamine, a naturally occurring substance found in the fungus Claviceps purpurea.

Etymology

The term "Dihydroergotamine" is derived from its chemical structure, which is an ergotamine molecule that has been hydrogenated twice (dihydro). The term "ergotamine" itself comes from "ergot", the common name for the fungus Claviceps purpurea, and "-amine", a common suffix in organic chemistry indicating the presence of an amino group.

Usage

Dihydroergotamine works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and inhibiting the release of substances that can trigger migraine pain, nausea, and other symptoms. It is often used when other migraine treatments are not effective. It can be administered via injection, nasal spray, or in tablet form.

Related Terms

Ergotamine: A naturally occurring substance found in the fungus Claviceps purpurea from which dihydroergotamine is derived.
Migraine: A type of headache characterized by severe pain, nausea, and often visual disturbances.
Cluster headache: A type of headache characterized by severe, piercing pain on one side of the head, often around the eye.
Claviceps purpurea: A fungus that infects rye and other cereals, and from which ergotamine is derived.

Side Effects

Common side effects of dihydroergotamine include nausea, vomiting, and weakness. More serious side effects can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and severe dizziness.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Dihydroergotamine
Wikipedia's article - Dihydroergotamine

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Dihydroergotamine