Ergoloid

Hydergine should not be confused with Hydrazine, which is a rocket fuel

Ergoloid mesylates (Chemical name: Dihydroergotoxine mesylate) are dihydrogenated ergot alkaloids used to combat decreased mental function as a result of senility or multiple small strokes. Ergoloid also enjoys a large scale use as a nootropic.

Developer & Producers: Albert Hofmann for Sandoz (now part of Novartis)

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Mechanism

Despite the fact that hydergine has been used in the treatment of dementia for many years, its mechanism of action is still not clear. It stimulates dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors and blocks alpha-adrenoreceptors. It is a nootropic. Current studies imply that the major effect of hydergine may be the modulation of synaptic neurotransmission rather than solely increasing blood flow as was once thought. A prominent feature that accompanies aging is an increase in monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels which results in decreased availability of catecholamines in the synaptic cleft. In one study, an interaction between age and hydergine treatment was observed in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum. The hydergine effect was more pronounced in the aged group in the hypothalamus and cerebellum, and more pronounced in the adult in the hippocampus. These findings imply that increased brain MAO activity in aging can be modified by hydergine treatment in some brain regions.

Names

Brand names

Hydergine, Gerimal, Niloric, Redizork, Alkergot, Cicanol, Redergin.

Chemical agent synonyms and analogues

Co-Dergocrine Mesylate, Deapril-ST, Dihydroergotoxin Mesilat, Dihydroergotoxin Mesylate, Dihydroergotoxin Methanesulfonate, Dihydroergotoxine Mesilate, Dihydroergotoxine Mesylate, Dihydroergotoxine Methanesulfonate, Dihydroergotoxine Methanesulphonate, Ergoloid Mesylates, Hydergine, Hydergine LC, Hydrogenated Ergot Alkaloids, Ischelium.

Contra-indications

Hydergine® (ergoloid mesylates) preparations are contraindicated in individuals who have previously shown hypersensitivity to the drug. Hydergine® (ergoloid mesylates) preparations are also contraindicated in patients who have psychosis, acute or chronic, regardless of etiology. Specific drug interactions are unknown so administration should be done with care and proper research.

Dosage

1 mg thrice a day is the recommended dosage. Alleviation of symptoms is usually gradual and effects may be seen in 3-4 weeks. It may be used in conjunction with other cerebral enhancers like Piracetam, with which it is synergesic.

Sizes: 4,5mg p/T (x30) or 1,5mg p/T

There is some evidence suggesting that potentially effective doses may be higher than those currently approved.^[1]