Ergotamine-induced peripheral ischaemia reversed by oral thymoxamine hydrochloride.
Although there is no generally accepted therapy for ergotamine-induced vasoconstriction, infusion of directly acting vasodilators is regarded presently as the treatment of choice. We present a case of peripheral arterial ischaemia secondary to excessive use of ergotamine suppositories, which was reversed with oral thymoxamine hydrochloride (an alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist) and ergotamine withdrawal. We suggest that in patients with ergotamine-induced peripheral arterial vasoconstriction with no evidence of gangrene, oral thymoxamine may be considered as a useful adjunct or possible alternative to infused vasodilator treatment.
D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D004878:Ergotamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D013948:Moxisylyte / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D013488:Suppositories
D004338:Drug Combinations; D013488:Suppositories; C037330:caffeine, ergotamine drug combination; D002110:Caffeine; D004878:Ergotamine; D013948:Moxisylyte