ergotamine
Definition
Noun: 1. A medicinal alkaloid: A compound obtained from the fungus ergot, used primarily to treat migraine headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain. It is chemically related to but considered less toxic than other ergot compounds.
Usage
Ergotamine is used as a specific treatment for acute migraine attacks. * The doctor prescribed ergotamine to alleviate the severe migraine. * This medication contains ergotamine and caffeine to improve absorption.
Advanced Usage
- Ergotamine tartrate: This is the specific salt form of the alkaloid commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations.
- The tablet's active ingredient is listed as ergotamine tartrate.
Variants and Related Words
- Ergot (noun): The fungus () that infects rye and other cereals, which is the source of ergotamine and other alkaloids.
- Ergotism (noun): Poisoning caused by excessive ingestion of ergot alkaloids, historically known as "St. Anthony's Fire."
Synonyms
- Vasoconstrictor (noun): A more general term for any agent that causes narrowing of blood vessels; ergotamine is a specific type of vasoconstrictor.
- Antimigraine agent (noun): A substance used to treat or prevent migraine headaches.
Noun
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an alkaloid derived from ergot that is less toxic than ergot; causes constriction of blood vessels and is used to treat migraine
