Ergotamine
Ergotamine
Ergotamine (pronounced: er-got-a-meen) is a medication used to treat acute migraines. It belongs to a class of drugs known as ergot alkaloids.
Etymology
The term "Ergotamine" is derived from the fungus Ergot, from which it was first isolated, and the suffix "-amine", which is used in organic chemistry to denote substances containing an amino group.
Usage
Ergotamine works by constricting blood vessels in the brain, which helps to alleviate the pain of a migraine headache. It is often used in combination with other medications, such as caffeine, to increase its effectiveness.
Related Terms
- Ergot: A type of fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Ergot is the source of several medicinal alkaloids, including ergotamine.
- Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties.
- Migraine: A type of headache characterized by severe pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It is often combined with ergotamine to treat migraines.
Side Effects
Like all medications, ergotamine can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of coldness or numbness in the fingers or toes. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects, such as muscle pain or weakness, chest pain, or problems with vision. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
See Also
- Ergotism: A condition caused by long-term exposure to the ergot fungus or its alkaloids, including ergotamine.
- Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ergotamine
- Wikipedia's article - Ergotamine
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