Products
Codergocrine was commercially available in tablet form, as a dropper solution, and as a solution for injection (Hydergin). It had been approved in many countries since 1949.
Structure and properties
Codergocrine is present in drugs as codergocrine mesilate, a white to yellowish powder that is sparingly soluble in water. It is a mixture of four structurally very similar ergot alkaloids, dihydroergocornine mesilate, dihydroergocristine mesilate, α-dihydroergocryptine mesilate, and β-dihydroergocryptine mesilate. The exact definition can be found in the European Pharmacopoeia PhEur.
Effects
Codergocrine (ATC C04AE01) affects neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It stimulates dopamine and serotonin receptors and exerts a blocking effect on alpha adrenergic receptors.
Indications
As a supportive measure and for symptomatic treatment of certain intellectual, affective, somatic, and behavioral disorders associated with neuronal, metabolic, or arteriosclerotic mild impairments of cerebral performance.
Abuse
Codergocrine can potentially be abused as a smart drug. Because of the potential adverse effects, we do not consider this use to be recommended.
Contraindications
Codergocrine is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, vascular disease, temporal arteritis, coronary artery disease, severe hepatic impairment, and sepsis. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Codergocrine may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive agents. Concomitant use of CYP inhibitors is not indicated because it may increase concentrations of the drug and cause peripheral vasoconstriction.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include nasal congestion, headache, nausea, and digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Because codergocrine constricts blood vessels, it can worsen angina, cause arrhythmias, bradycardia, paresthesias, and arterial circulation problems. Other side effects include sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, skin changes, and fibrosis.
