ergotamine

American  

[ur-got-uh-meen, -min] / ɜrˈgɒt əˌmin, -mɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a crystalline, water-soluble polypeptide, C 33 H 35 N 5 O 5 , obtained from ergot, used to stimulate uterine contractions during labor and in the treatment of migraine.

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ergotamine Scientific  

/ ûr-gŏt′ə-mēn′,-mĭn /

1. A crystalline alkaloid derived from ergot that induces vasoconstriction and is used especially in the treatment of migraine headaches. Chemical formula: C ₃₃ H ₃₅ N ₅ O ₅ .

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Etymology

Origin of ergotamine

First recorded in 1920–25; ergot + -amine

Example Sentences

Yet even refined, synthetic versions of ergotamine can dangerously narrow blood vessels, so doctors and patients welcomed the triptans, which selectively constrict the blood vessels of the brain.

From Science Magazine • May 18, 2018

Although both ergotamine and triptans act on blood vessels, studies that began in the 1990s “torpedoed” the idea that dilated vessels actually cause migraines, says neurologist Jes Olesen of the University of Copenhagen.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 7, 2016

Indeed, they had already had some success with this approach, having succeeded in the isolation and marketing of ergotamine, a leading drug for the treatment of migraine.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2013

This gave him a more rational method of producing a substance that is present only in extremely small quantities in ergotamine.

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

The two doctors recommended injections of ergotamine tartrate as soon as the headache starts.

From Time Magazine Archive