Latin, Ergota (Gen., Ergotae)

Eng., Ergot. Synonym, Ergot of Rye, Rye Smut.

The carefully dried sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea, a fungous growth replacing the grain of rye, Secale cereale.

Principal Constituents

Ergotine, Tannic Acid, etc.

Average Dose

30 grains (2 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Extractum Ergotae

Eng., Extract of Ergot. Synonym, Ergotin. A soft solid about eight times the strength of the drug. Average Dose.-4 grains (0.25 Gm.).

Fluidextractum Ergotae

Eng., Fluidextract of Ergot. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Oxytocic, emmenagogue, and hemostatic (for uterine hemorrhage).

Uses

Employed after the third stage of labor to promote contraction of the uterus; also for menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, purpura hsemorrhagica, etc.

It should be remembered that Ergot is a hemostatic for uterine hemorrhage, and its indiscriminate use, particularly in cerebral hemorrhage, is to be condemned.

Administration

For temporary use, as during labor, the Fluidextract is the preparation usually employed. When the use of Ergot is to be continued for some time, it is frequently advisable to administer the Extract in capsules on account of the disagreeable taste of the drug.

The preparation"Ergotin"should not be confused with Ergotine the alkaloid. When a solid preparation is desired it is better to order the official extract.

Most of the larger pharmaceutical manufacturing houses now physiologically test all the ergot they put on the market. Its hypodermic use has sometimes been followed by such unpleasant results that it should be used in this way only in cases of extreme emergency. and then the special aseptic hypodermic preparations should be employed.

Some common methods of prescribing ergot are as follows:

In the treatment of goiter:

M. ft. cap. no. xxiv.

Sig

One after each meal.

In the treatment of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia:

M. ft. cap. no. xx.

Sig

One two hours after meals.

In the treatment of subinvolution of the uterus:

M. ft. cap. no. xxx.

Sig

One before each meal.

In the treatment of menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, etc.:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

1 Anders: Practice of Medicine.

2 Asbton: Practice of Gynecology.

3 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics.