Structure and properties
Depending on the side chains, ergot alkaloids are classified into two different groups:
- Ergometrine-type ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergometrine, methylergometrine).
- Peptide-type ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, ergotoxine, bromocriptine).
Effects
Ergot alkaloids exhibit the following effects in varying degrees:
- Partial agonists at alpha-adrenoreceptors.
- Partial agonists at serotonin receptors
- Stimulation of dopamine receptors
- Contraction of vascular and uterine smooth muscle.
Mechanism of action
- Binding to alpha-adrenoreceptors
- Binding to serotonin receptors
- Binding to dopamine receptors
Indications
- Migraine
- Parkinson’s disease
- In the postpartum period, hemorrhage, delayed detachment of the placenta.
- Weaning
Origin
- Ergot
Active ingredients
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
- Cabergoline (Dostinex)
- Codergocrine (Hydergine)
- Dihydroergocriptine (Cripar, out of commerce).
- Dihydroergocristin (Brinerdin)
- Dihydroergotamine (dihydergote, ergotonine)
- Ergometrine
- Ergotamine (Cafergot, out of trade)
- Lisuride (-)
- Methylergometrine (methergine)
- Methysergide (-)
- LSD
- Pergolide (Permax, out of commerce)
See also
- Dopamine agonists
- Antiparkinsonian drugs
- Medicinal mushrooms
