Ergonovine, also known as ergometrine and lysergic acid propanolamide, is a medication used to cause contractions of the uterus to treat heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth.[
]
Common include hypertension, vomiting, , headache, and hypotension.[ Other serious side effects include ergotism.][
]
Ergonovine was discovered in 1932.
Medical uses
Ergonovine has a medical use in obstetrics to facilitate delivery of the placenta and to prevent bleeding after childbirth by causing smooth muscle tissue in the blood vessel walls to narrow, thereby reducing blood flow. It is usually combined with oxytocin (Syntocinon) as syntometrine. It begins working within 15minutes when taken by mouth and is faster in onset when used by injection.[ Its duration is between 45 and 180minutes.][
]
It can induce spasm of the coronary arteries.
Side effects
Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, chest pain, palpitation, bradycardia, transient hypertension and other cardiac arrhythmias, dyspnea, rashes, and shock.
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, are common.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Ergonovine stimulates the uterus and other smooth muscles. It targets α-adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonin receptors (the 5-HT2 receptor). Its uterotonic effect has not been identified with a specific receptor type. The drug has been found to bind to and activate the rat and human serotonin 5-HT2A receptor with similar affinity as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
Chemistry
Synthesis
Ergonovine was originally made from the rye ergot fungus but can also be made from lysergic acid.
Analogues
A partial ergoline analogue of ergonovine that was also investigated as an oxytocic is tochergamine.
History
The pharmacological properties of ergot were known and had been utilized by midwives for centuries, but were not thoroughly researched and publicized until the early 20th century. However, its abortifacient effects and the danger of ergotism meant that it was only prescribed cautiously, as in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.
Ergonovine was first isolated and obtained by the chemists Chassar Moir, H W Dudley and Gerald Rogers in 1935.
Society and culture
Recreational use
Ergonovine induces psychedelic drug effects at doses of 2–10mg, in contrast to its medical use in doses of 0.2–0.4mg.
According to Albert Hofmann and other researchers, although ergonovine is psychedelic at higher doses,
Legal status
Ergonovine is listed as Table I precursors under the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as possible precursor compound for LSD.
