HERBAL MONOGRAPHS ERGOT/ 281action of ergot is traceable to its stimulation of the smooth
musculature. However, therapeutic use cannot be recom-
mended because of the risks involved.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
^| Unproven Uses: Although the risk involved is too high to
recommend therapeutic use, ergot and ergot preparations
were previously used in gynecology and obstetrics. Uses
included hemorrhages, climacteric hemorrhages, menorrha-
gia and metrorrhagia, before and after miscarriage, for
removal of the placenta and shortening of the afterbirth
period, for atonia of the uterus and also for migraine.Homeopathic Uses: Uses in homeopathy include uterine and
muscle spasm, convulsions, paralysis, circulatory problems
accompanying arterial disease and a tendency to bleed.
Efficacy has not been proven.CONTRAINDICATIONS
Ergot is now contraindicated for all therapeutic use, but
especially in the presence of peripheral blood flow disorders
such as Raynaud's disease. Thrombangitis obliterans, severe
arteriosclerotic vascular changes, liver function disorders,
severe coronary insufficiency, kidney damage, pregnancy,
£- nursing, infectious diseases, sepsis, hypertonia and severe
hypotonia.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages, but thera-
peutic use is not recommended because of the many side
effects. Among side effects that may occur are queasiness,
vomiting, feeling of weakness in the legs, muscle pain,
numbness in the fingers, angina complaints, tachycardia or
bradycardia, localized edema and itching.OVERDOSAGE
Overdosage or long-term administration can lead to throm-
bosis, damage to the vessels of the retina (combined with
optic atrophy) gangrene of the extremities, hemiplagia and
convulsions.Symptoms of acute poisonings include queasiness, vomiting,
diarrhea, thirst, skin coolness, itching of the skin, rapid and
weak pulse, paresthesia, numbness of the extremities,
fc confusion or unconsciousness.
Chronic poisonings appear as:Ergotismus gangrenosus: characterized by painful arterial
blood flow disorders of the extremities with dry gangrene,
angina complaints, field of vision losses, aphasias.Ergotismus convulsivus: characterized by muscle twitching,
later clonic spasm and ultimately tonic spasms, hemiplagia,
loss of consciousness and death.Drug overdose is managed by^1 gastrointestinal emptying
through inducement of vomiting and gastric lavage with
burgundy-colored potassium permanganate solution, sodium
sulfate. That is followed by installation of activated charcoal
and shock prophylaxis (quiet and warmth). The therapy for
poisonings consists of treating angiospasms with Nitrolingu-
al-spray and vascular massage, sedatives for spasm (di-
azepam or chloral hydrate), administration of blocking
agents, electrolyte substitution and treating possible cases of
acidosis with sodium bicarbonate infusions. Intubation and
oxygen respiration may also be necessary.DOSAGE
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet, 10 globules every 30
to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times a day (chronic);
parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc: acute: 3 times daily; chronic: once
a day (HAB1).
Storage: Ergot must be stored in tightly sealed containers
and kept in a cool place, protected from light. The powdered
form should not be stored.
LITERATURE
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Anon., Parkinson-Krankheit: Mehe Lebensqualitat bei
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Anon. Vom Ergolin-Pharmakophor zu selektiven Arzneistoffen.
Deutsche Apotheker Ztg 132 (1992), 1235
Crespi-Perellino N et al., JNP 50:1065-1074. 1987.
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Frohne D, Pfander HJ: Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-
Ges. Stuttgart 1997.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Kobel H, Sanglier JJ, Biotechnology 4:569-609. 1986.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Marshall M, Wiistenberg P, Klinik und Therapie der
chronischen venosen Insuffizienz. In: Klinik und Therapie der
chronischen venosen Insuffizienz, Braun Fachverlage, Karlsruhe
- Milhahn HC et al., Contributions to the dissociation between
antineoplastic and mutagenic activities of the ergot minor
- Milhahn HC et al., Contributions to the dissociation between