Medicine & USMLE

Ergotamine

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Neuro Drugs
  1. Anticholinergic Syndrome
  2. Cholinergic Crisis
  3. Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
  4. Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
  5. Donepezil
  6. Memantine
  7. Scopolamine
  8. Levodopa, Carbidopa
  9. Selegiline / Rasagiline
  10. Entacapone / Tolcapone
  11. Propofol
  12. Halothane / Flurane
  13. Opioids
  14. Succinylcholine
  15. Lidocaine
  16. Ergotamine
  17. Triptans
  18. Pregabalin
  19. Gabapentin
  20. Ramelteon

Summary

Ergotamine is a medication that causes vasoconstriction to treat migraine headaches. It is not a regularly scheduled drug, but is rather taken at the onset of the migraine.

Key Points

  • Ergotamine (Ergomar)
    • Mechanism
      • Ergot alkaloids
        • Block adrenergic receptors, causing peripheral vasoconstriction
    • Clinical Use
      • Migraines
        • Often combined with caffeine
        • Should be administered at the onset of aura or headache
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Contraindicated with vasospasm (e.g. Prinzmetal angina, Raynaud phenomenon)
      • Gastrointestinal distress
        • Nausea, vomiting
      • Physical dependence
        • Is not intended to be taken daily, only at the onset of a migraine headache
        • Withdrawal symptoms include migraine-like symptoms (headache, nausea, vomiting, restlessness)
      • Teratogenic
        • Pregnancy Category X