Two major types of substance contain ergot alkaliodsnaturally occurring chemicals and manufactured drugs.
The naturally occurring chemicals are produced by fungal contamination of plants.
The fungus can cause health problems if its consumed.
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This article describes types of ergot alkaloids, their uses, and their side effects and toxicity.
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What Are Ergot Alkaloids?
The chemicals that are considered ergots are ergometrine, ergotamine, and ergosine.
They can naturally occur, potentially leading to ergot poisoning, or they can be manufactured.
Ergot Fungus
Ergot alkaloids are produced byClaviceps purpurea, a fungus that can grow on certain plants.
The physical effects may include skin changes, tiredness, and confusion and may progress togangrene.
Gangrene is the death of tissue.
Another punch in of ergot poisoning causes hallucinations and convulsions.
When used for medical treatment, different ergot alkaloids have different uses.
They have also been prescribed for treatingTourettes syndromeand certain types of pituitary tumors.
The ergot constricts (narrows) the blood vessels of the uterus the prevent excessive bleeding.
Side Effects
Caution is necessary when using ergot alkaloid therapies.
These medications narrow the blood vessels, which can cause adverse effects.
The side effects are not the same for each of the ergot medications.
Dosage
The formulations and doses vary widely for ergot drugs.
Most are available in oral tablet or liquid form.
Ergot treatments in labor and delivery are used intravenously (injected in a vein, IV).
The contraindicationsreasons not to take a certain treatmentare specific for each ergot drug.
Each of the ergot alkaloids interacts with a specified set of medications.
LSD, a hallucinogenic drug, is derived from ergot chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several migraine medications that are ergot alkaloids.
These include Cafergot and Migranal.
They can be effective, but they are not commonly prescribed because of their potential side effects.
This condition has been called Saint Anthonys fire, among other names.
This means proper dosing and avoiding use with medications or supplements that can induce interactions.
Even when used properly, these medications have the potential to cause serious side effects.
Grzybowski A, Pawlikowska-agod K, Polak A.Ergotism and Saint Anthony’s fire.
Clin Dermatol.2021;39(6):1088-1094. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.07.009
Klotz JL.Global impact of ergot alkaloids.Toxins (Basel).
2016;6(3):214-228. doi:10.1177/2045125316640440
