Pharm

Ergotism

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Ergotism

  • History
  1. Seen in epidemic form since the Middle Ages
  2. Implicated in alleged behavior of Salem witches
  • Causes
  1. Excessive Ergot alkaloid drug intake
    1. Ergotamine
    2. Ergonovine
    3. Methyl-ergonovine (Methergine)
    4. Methysergide (Sansert)
    5. Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
  2. Ergot alkaloid used concurrently with potentiator
    1. Azithromycin
  3. Rye or wheat infected with fungus Claviceps purpurea
  • Symptoms
  1. Colic
  2. Diarrhea
  3. Paresthesias
  4. Pruritus
  5. Seizures
  6. Headache
  7. Drowsiness
  8. Nausea or Vomiting
  • Signs
  • Gangrene of poorly vascularized distal structures
  1. Tip of nose
  2. Ears
  3. Fingers
  4. Toes