ergotamine

noun

er·​got·​a·​mine (ˌ)ər-ˈgä-tə-ˌmēn 

: an alkaloid C₃₃H₃₅N₅O₅ derived from ergot that is used chiefly in the form of its tartrate especially in treating migraine

Examples of ergotamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ergots are alkaloids—either ergotamine or dihydroergotamine—sometimes combined with caffeine. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 13 Dec. 2023

However, to really erase migraine pain, the research noted above emphasizes that medicines—like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ergotamine, and triptan—are often the most effective solution. —Julia Ries, SELF, 10 July 2023

Yet even refined, synthetic versions of ergotamine can dangerously narrow blood vessels, so doctors and patients welcomed the triptans, which selectively constrict the blood vessels of the brain. —Emily Underwood, Science | AAAS, 18 May 2018

The result, after a decade of work, was sumatriptan, which, like ergotamine, both eased pain and constricted blood vessels. —R. Allan Purdy, Scientific American, 1 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ergotamin, from French ergot ergot + German -amin amine

Note: The term was introduced by the Swiss biochemist Arthur Stoll (1887-1971) and the German biochemist Karl Spiro (1867-1932) in "Über die wirksamen Substanzen des Mutterkorns," Actes de la Société Helvétique des Sciences Naturelles, 101^e session annuelle du 29 août au 1^er septembre 1920 à Neuchatel, II^e partie (1921), p. 235.

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ergotamine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

ergotamine

noun

er·​got·​a·​mine (ˌ)ər-ˈgät-ə-ˌmēn 

: an alkaloid that is derived from ergot and is used chiefly in the form of its tartrate (C₃₃H₃₅N₅O₅)₂·C₄H₆O₆ especially in treating migraine