Ergoloid

Ergoloid

Combination of
Dihydroergocristine	Ergot alkaloid
Dihydroergocornine	Ergot alkaloid
alpha-Dihydroergocryptine	Ergot alkaloid
beta-Dihydroergocryptine	Ergot alkaloid
Clinical data
Pregnancy category	Contraindicated
Legal status	℞ (Prescription only)
Routes of administration	Oral, parenteral
Identifiers
CAS Number	8067-24-1 Y
ATC code	C04AE01 (WHO)
DrugBank	DB01049 Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:59756 N
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

Ergoloid mesylates (USAN), co-dergocrine mesilate (BAN) or dihydroergotoxine mesylate, trade name Hydergine, is a mixture of the methanesulfonate salts of three dihydrogenated ergot alkaloids (dihydroergocristine, dihydroergocornine, and alpha- and beta-dihydroergocryptine).

It was developed by Albert Hofmann (the inventor of LSD) for Sandoz (now part of Novartis).

Uses

It has been used to treat dementia and age-related cognitive impairment (such as in Alzheimer disease), as well as to aid in recovery after stroke.

There is some evidence suggesting that potentially effective doses may be higher than those currently approved in dementia treatment.

Ergoloids are also used by many people as a nootropic. It may be used in conjunction with other cerebral enhancers like piracetam, with which it may act synergistically.

Ergoloid Mesylate Tablets USP for sublingual use contain 1 mg of Ergoloid Mesylates USP, a mixture of the methanesulfonate salt of the following hydrogenated alkaloids: Dihydroergocornine mesylate 0.333 mg, Dihydroergocristine mesylate 0.333 mg, Dihydroergocryptine mesylate 0.333 mg.

Mechanism of action

Despite the fact that hydergine has been used in the treatment of dementia for many years, its mechanism of action is still not clear. It stimulates dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors and blocks alpha-adrenoreceptors. Current studies imply that the major effect of hydergine may be the modulation of synaptic neurotransmission rather than solely increasing blood flow as was once thought. A prominent feature that accompanies aging is an increase in monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels. This results in decreased availability of catecholamines in the synaptic cleft. In one study, an interaction between age and hydergine treatment was observed in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum. The hydergine effect was more pronounced in the aged group in the hypothalamus and cerebellum, and more pronounced in the adult in the hippocampus. These findings imply that increased brain MAO activity in aging can be modified by hydergine treatment in some brain regions.

Contraindications

Ergoloid is contraindicated in individuals who have previously shown hypersensitivity to the drug. They are also contraindicated in patients who have psychosis, acute or chronic, regardless of etiology. Specific drug interactions are unknown but it has been claimed that there are multiple potential interactions.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects are minimal. The most common include transient, dose dependent nausea and gastrointestinal disturbances, and sublingual irritation with SL tablets. Other common side effects include:

• Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia
• Dermatologic: skin rash, flushing
• Ocular: blurred vision
• Respiratory: nasal congestion
• Increased risk of fibrosis and ergotism.

As a result of the last-mentioned effects, the use of ergot derivatives for the treatment of blood circulation disorders, memory problems, sensation problems and the treatment of migraine is no longer permitted in some EU countries because the risks are believed to outweigh any benefits.

Chemistry

The four constituents differ only in which of four proteinogenic amino acids is used in biosynthesis:

Compound	Amino acid
Dihydroergocristine	Phenylalanine
Dihydroergocornine	Valine
alpha-Dihydroergocryptine	Leucine
beta-Dihydroergocryptine	Isoleucine

Trade names

Hydergine, Hydergina, Gerimal, Niloric, Redizork, Alkergot, Cicanol, Redergin.

External links

• Ergoloid Mesylates (University of Maryland Medical Center)