"Ergotamine tartrate" is a drug substance belonging to the group of alpha-blockers.
This powder is packaged by the manufacturer in cans made of tinted glass. The active substance in the composition is ergotamine hydrotartrate.
Pharmacological effects
The substance is an ergot alkaloid. It can act on different organs, systems of organs of the human body, even on the central nervous system. One of the most important properties of Ergotamine Tartrate is its ability to stimulate uterine muscle structure. Under its influence, the uterine tone increases, and therefore the use of the drug allows to obtain a therapeutic effect in case of hypotension and atony of the uterus, provoked by these pathologies of uterine bleeding. The mechanism of action for uterine bleeding is due to the fact that the myometrium contracts, and as a result, mechanical compression of the blood vessels occurs. In addition, the substance has the ability to accelerate the involution of the uterus after delivery.
Ergotamine is characterized by alpha-adrenergic blocking activity, combined with a pronounced direct vasoconstrictor effect on the smooth muscle structures of the brain and peripheral vessels. For this reason, despite the alpha-adrenergic blocking properties, against the background of the use of Ergotamine, a tonic effect on the brain and peripheral vessels predominates. This property is therapeutically significant in the treatment of migraine.
In addition, Ergotamine has antiserotonin activity. He is able to exert a deprimative effect on the vasomotor center. Its use helps to increase the tone of the vagus nerve. It has several more properties:
- Reduces tachycardic manifestations with hyperthyroidism, hypersympathicotonia.
- Lowers the main metabolism.
- Soothing effect.
In what cases it is advisable to use Ergotamine Tartrate, we will learn further.
Indications for use
The substance and, accordingly, medicines based on it are indicated for use in the following cases:
- Atonic, hypotonic uterine bleeding. It is also possible to use it in the early period after delivery, when the placenta was separated manually.
- Subinvolution of the uterus after delivery, abortion, menorrhagia, as well as similar conditions caused by uterine myoma.
- Prevention of occurrence, relief of migraine manifestations, other headaches with vascular origin. In this case, Ergotamine is used primarily as a component of combined medicines.
- Therapy of menopausal disorders, neurosis, NDC - in the same way as in the previous case, mainly as a component of combined medications.
Combined drugs, including Ergotamine Tartrate, belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital, are often used to treat menopause disorders, neurosis, insomnia, neurodermatitis, and the effects of concussion.
Use of the drug, dosage regimens
According to the instructions for Ergotamine Tartrate, when used in obstetric and gynecological practice, the drug should be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously using 250-500 mcg Ergotamine. In an emergency, 500 ΞΌg intravenously is allowed. It is shown orally to take 1 mg of Ergotamine, 1-3 doses can be prescribed per day.
For the treatment of migraine and other headaches of vascular origin, you should use individually defined dosages, determined by the doctor and depending on the pharmacological form of the substance used, the therapeutic regimen.
Negative impact
Against the background of the use of the drug Ergotamine Tartrate, side symptoms may develop in patients. The digestive system is able to respond with the development of diarrhea (in fairly rare cases), vomiting, nausea.
The following negative manifestations are possible on the part of the vascular system and the heart: transient tachycardia, paresthesia in the extremities, decreased pulsation in the extremities, muscle pain, increased blood pressure, pain in the heart zone, bradycardia. Most of these effects are due to an increase in peripheral vascular tone.
In addition, the patient may experience itching, swelling, tremor of the fingers, weakness in the legs.
Contraindications
Ergotamine is contraindicated in patients with pathological and physiological conditions such as:
- Increased susceptibility to ergot alkaloids and, in particular, to Ergotamine.
- Migraine, which is accompanied by the occurrence of focal neurological disorders.
- The simultaneous use of corticosteroids.
- The lactation period.
- Childbirth.
- Pregnancy.
- Septic conditions.
- Violations of the functional activity of the kidneys, liver.
- Severe forms of atherosclerosis.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Spastic pathologies of peripheral vessels.
- Obliterating pathologies of peripheral vessels.
- Ischemic heart disease.
Use in the lactation period, during pregnancy
The use of drugs based on Ergotamine Tartrate is strictly prohibited during pregnancy, in the lactation period. Avoid the use of the drug during lactation because its metabolites can be excreted together with breast milk, as a result of which there is a likelihood of ergotism in the child. Reuse of Ergotamine can lead to impaired lactation.
Interaction with other medicines
What else does the instruction for use with Ergotamine Tartrate tell us? The vasoconstrictor effect of the substance is enhanced with the simultaneous use of nicotine and sympathomimetics.
The simultaneous administration of beta-blockers and Ergotamine increases the likelihood of developing a vasoconstrictor effect on peripheral vessels.
The simultaneous use with macrolides causes ergotism.
The parallel use of serotonin agonists increases the likelihood of prolonged vasospastic reactions.
Does the product have analogues?
Ergotamine can be replaced by Oxytocin, Methylergobrevin, Bellataminal, Nomigren, Cofetamine.