Ergoloid Mesylates (Dihydrogenated Ergot Alkaloids; Dihydroergotoxine)
A to Z Drug Facts
Ergoloid Mesylates (Dihydrogenated Ergot Alkaloids; Dihydroergotoxine) |
(err-GO-loyd- MEH-suh-lates) |
Gerimal, Hydergine, Hydergine LC, Niloric |
Class: Psychotherapeutic |
Action Unknown; may increase brain metabolism, possibly increasing cerebral blood flow.
Indications Treatment of age-related decline in mental capacity, primary progressive dementia, Alzheimer's dementia, multi-infarct dementia and senile onset.
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to ergoloid mesylates or other ergot alkaloids; acute or chronic psychosis.
Route/Dosage
ADULTS: PO/SL 1 to 2 mg tid (up to 12 mg/day has been used).
Interactions None well documented.
Lab Test Interferences None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
CV: Orthostatic hypotension; bradycardia. DERM: Rash. GI: Transient nausea; GI disturbances; sublingual irritation.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Pregnancy category undetermined. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Special risk patients: Administer drug with caution to patients with history of bradycardia or hypotension. Liver impairment: Elimination of drug may be affected.
PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS |
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Administration/Storage
- Instruct patient to allow SL tablets to completely dissolve under tongue; do not allow patient to swallow, crush or chew tablet.
- Do not permit patient to eat, drink or smoke while SL tablet is dissolving.
- Store in tightly closed, light-resistant container at room temperature.
Assessment/Interventions
- Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
- Potentially reversible and treatable conditions should be ruled out prior to use of ergoloid mesylates in treating age-related decline of mental capacity.
- Assess patient's mental status (alertness, memory, orientation, mood, emotional liability and self-care) prior to and during administration of drug.
- Monitor BP and pulse rate prior to initiation of therapy and at periodic intervals during therapy.
- Take appropriate safety measures if lightheadedness, weakness or changes in mental status develop.
OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
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Headache, flushing, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nasal congestion, impaired vision, dizziness, fainting |
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Patient/Family Education
- Teach patient how to decrease effects of orthostatic hypotension by rising slowly from supine position and dangling feet for few min before standing.
- Instruct patient to avoid alcohol consumption, which may enhance hypotensive effect.
- Caution patient not to take otc cough, cold and allergy preparations that contain alcohol.
- Instruct patient to avoid excessive exposure to cold since temperature regulation may be impaired.
- Instruct patient to notify physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Advise patient/family that it may require 34 wk and up to 6 mo to determine clinical effectiveness of drug.
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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts