Analgesic (specific in migraine).
Ergotamine, 3′,6′,18′-trione,12′-hydroxy-2′-methyl-5′-benzyl-(5α)-ergotamine (12.2.14), is obtained via microbiological synthesis [52].As an α-adrenoblocker, ergotamine exhibits a direct vasoconstricting effect for which it is
used in medicine, particularly for alleviation of severe migraine attacks. It is categorically counterproductive in chronic diseases because of the possibility of side effects such as
triggering gangrene.
ChEBI: A peptide ergot alkaloid that is dihydroergotamine in which a double bond replaces the single bond between positions 9 and 10.
Ergomar (Harvest);Ergostat (Parke-Davis); Wigrettes (Organon).
Crystallise it from *benzene, then dry it by prolonged heating in high vacuum. It is very hygroscopic. [Beilstein 25 III/IV 964.]
