Ergotamine

Ergotamine is an ergopeptine and part of the ergot family of alkaloids; it is structurally and biochemically closely related to ergoline. It possesses structural similarity to several neurotransmitters, and has biological activity as a vasoconstrictor.

Ergotamine
Clinical data
Trade namesCafergot, Ergomar
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
Pregnancy
category
  • US: X (Contraindicated)
    Routes of
    administration
    Oral
    ATC code
    Legal status
    Legal status
    Pharmacokinetic data
    BioavailabilityIntravenous: 100%,[1]
    Intramuscular: 47%,[2]
    Oral: <1%[3] (Enhanced by co-administration of caffeine[1])
    MetabolismHepatic[2]
    Elimination half-life2 hours[2]
    Excretion90% biliary[2]
    Identifiers
    CAS Number
    PubChem CID
    IUPHAR/BPS
    DrugBank
    ChemSpider
    UNII
    KEGG
    ChEBI
    ChEMBL
    PDB ligand
    CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
    ECHA InfoCard100.003.658
    Chemical and physical data
    FormulaC33H35N5O5
    Molar mass581.66 g/mol g·mol−1
    3D model (JSmol)
     NY (what is this?)  (verify)

    It is used medicinally for treatment of acute migraine attacks (sometimes in combination with caffeine). Medicinal usage of ergot fungus began in the 16th century to induce childbirth, yet dosage uncertainties discouraged the use. It has been used to prevent post-partum hemorrhage (bleeding after childbirth). It was first isolated from the ergot fungus by Arthur Stoll at Sandoz in 1918 and marketed as Gynergen in 1921.[4]

    Mechanism of action

    The mechanism of action of ergotamine is complex.[5] The molecule shares structural similarity with neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine and can thus bind to several receptors acting as an agonist. The anti-migraine effect is due to constriction of the intracranial extracerebral blood vessels through the 5-HT1B receptor, and by inhibiting trigeminal neurotransmission by 5-HT1D receptors. Ergotamine also has effects on the dopamine and norepinephrine receptors.

    Biosynthesis

    Ergotamine is a secondary metabolite (natural product) and the principal alkaloid produced by the ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea, and related fungi in the family Clavicipitaceae.[6] Its biosynthesis in these fungi requires the amino acid L-tryptophan and dimethylallyl diphosphate. These precursor compounds are the substrates for the enzyme, tryptophan dimethylallyltransferase, catalyzing the first step in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis, i.e., the prenylation of L-tryptophan. Further reactions, involving methyltransferase and oxygenase enzymes, yield the ergoline, lysergic acid. Lysergic acid (LA) is the substrate of lysergyl peptide synthetase, a nonribosomal peptide synthetase, which covalently links LA to the amino acids, L-alanine, L-proline, and L-phenylalanine. Enzyme-catalyzed or spontaneous cyclizations, oxygenations/oxidations, and isomerizations at selected residues precede, and give rise to, formation of ergotamine.[7]

    Drug uses

    Ergotamine both produces vasoconstriction peripherally and damages the peripheral epithelium. In high doses, ergotamine is conducive to vascular stasis, thrombosis, and gangrene. It can increase uterine contractivity and occasionally is used therapeutically immediately post-partum to decrease uterine bleeding. See also ergometrine.

    Ergotamine continues to be prescribed for migraines. The common form of prescription is Cafergot which is a combination of caffeine and ergotamine.

    Contraindications include: atherosclerosis, Buerger's syndrome, coronary artery disease, hepatic disease, pregnancy, pruritus, Raynaud's syndrome, and renal disease.[8] It's also contraindicated if patient is taking macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), certain HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir), certain azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole) delavirdine, efavirenz or a 5-HT1 agonist (e.g., sumatriptan). [9]

    Availability and dosage

    In the United States, ergotamine is available as a suppository, a sublingual tablet, and a tablet, sometimes in combination with caffeine. The suppository is available under the brand name Migergot, which contains 2 mg of ergotamine with 100 mg caffeine. The sublingual tablet is available under the brand name Ergomar and contains 2 mg of ergotamine. The combination tablet in combination with caffeine called Cafergot contains 1 mg of ergotamine and 100 mg of caffeine.[10]

    This preparation may be used immediately following the aura/onset of pain to abort the migraine. For the best results, dosage should start at the first sign of an attack.[11]

    Side effects

    Side effects of ergotamine include nausea and vomiting. At higher doses, it can cause raised arterial blood pressure, vasoconstriction (including coronary vasospasm) and bradycardia or tachycardia. Severe vasoconstriction may cause symptoms of intermittent claudication.[12]

    Ergotamine is a controlled substance in the United States as it is a commonly used precursor for the production of LSD.[13]

    See also

    References

    1. Sanders, SW; Haering N; Mosberg H; Jaeger H (1986). "Pharmacokinetics of ergotamine in healthy volunteers following oral and rectal dosing". Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 30 (3): 331–4. doi:10.1007/BF00541538. PMID 3732370.
    2. Tfelt-Hansen P, Johnson ES. Ergotamine. In: Olesen J, Tfelt-Hansen P, Welch KM, editors. The headaches. New York: Raven Press; 1993. p. 313–22.
    3. Ibraheem JJ, Paalzow L, Tfelt-Hansen P. Low bioavailability of ergotamine tartrate after oral and rectal administration in migraine sufferers. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1983; 16: 695–9.
    4. AJ Giannini, AE Slaby. Drugs of Abuse. Oradell, NJ, Medical Economics Books, 1989.
    5. Walkembach J, Brüss M, Urban BW, Barann M (October 2005). "Interactions of metoclopramide and ergotamine with human 5-HT3A receptors and human 5-HT reuptake carriers". Br. J. Pharmacol. 146 (4): 543–52. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706351. PMC 1751187. PMID 16041395.
    6. "Pharmacognosy of Ergot (Argot or St. Anthony's Fire) - Notes - PharmaXChange.info". pharmaxchange.info. 30 December 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012.
    7. Schardl CL, Panaccione DG, Tudzynski P (2006). Ergot alkaloids--biology and molecular biology. Alkaloids Chem. Biol. The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Biology. 63. pp. 45–86. doi:10.1016/S1099-4831(06)63002-2. ISBN 978-0-12-469563-4. PMID 17133714.
    8. AJ Giannini. Biological Foundations of Clinical Psychiatry. Oradell, NJ. Medical Economics Puclishing Co., 1986.
    9. "Ergotamine: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings - Drugs.com". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
    10. FDA Orange Book "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-08-17. Retrieved 2015-12-02.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    11. "DailyMed - CAFERGOT- ergotamine tartrate and caffeine tablet, film coated". dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 2014-01-16.
    12. "Medihaler Ergotamine". drugs.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-01. Retrieved 2016-05-20.
    13. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/orangebook.pdf
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