ergonovine

drug

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June 17, 2026

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Ergonovine is an alkaloid derived from ergot, a fungus that infects cereal grasses like rye. It is used in medicine, primarily in the form of its maleate, as an oxytocic. This means it is used to promote uterine contractions.12

Ergonovine has a stronger effect on the uterus than on blood vessels. Its main medical application is to induce strong uterine contractions immediately after childbirth, which helps to reduce the likelihood of postpartum bleeding. While it can induce abortion, it is not considered reliable for this purpose. Ergot alkaloids, including ergonovine, are derived from the sclerotium of the ergot fungus.32

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drug
Drugs that affect smooth muscle
…constituents of ergot, ergotamine and ergonovine are the most important. The main effect of ergotamine is to constrict blood vessels, sometimes so severely as to cause gangrene of fingers and toes. Dihydroergotamine, a derivative, can be used in treating migraine. Ergonovine has much less effect on blood vessels but a…
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…constituents of ergot, ergotamine and ergonovine are the most important. The main effect of ergotamine is to constrict blood vessels, sometimes so severely as to cause gangrene of fingers and toes. Dihydroergotamine, a derivative, can be used in treating migraine. Ergonovine has much less effect on blood vessels but a…
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ergot
…the source of the drugs ergonovine, which is used in obstetrics to control postpartum hemorrhage, and ergotamine, which is used in treating migraine headaches. Ergotism can occur after an overdose of ergot-derived medications. Ergot is also the source of lysergic acid, from which the powerful hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (
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…the source of the drugs ergonovine, which is used in obstetrics to control postpartum hemorrhage, and ergotamine, which is used in treating migraine headaches. Ergotism can occur after an overdose of ergot-derived medications. Ergot is also the source of lysergic acid, from which the powerful hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (
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LSD
…ergot alkaloids (as ergotamine and ergonovine, principal constituents of ergot, the grain deformity and toxic infectant of flour caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea). LSD is usually prepared by chemical synthesis in a laboratory. Its basic chemical structure is similar to that of the ergot alkaloids, and it is structurally…
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…ergot alkaloids (as ergotamine and ergonovine, principal constituents of ergot, the grain deformity and toxic infectant of flour caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea). LSD is usually prepared by chemical synthesis in a laboratory. Its basic chemical structure is similar to that of the ergot alkaloids, and it is structurally…
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alkaloid
Ergonovine (from the fungus Claviceps purpurea) and ephedrine (from Ephedra species) act as blood-vessel constrictors. Ergonovine is used to reduce uterine hemorrhage after childbirth, and ephedrine is used to relieve the discomfort of common colds, sinusitis, hay fever
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Ergonovine (from the fungus Claviceps purpurea) and ephedrine (from Ephedra species) act as blood-vessel constrictors. Ergonovine is used to reduce uterine hemorrhage after childbirth, and ephedrine is used to relieve the discomfort of common colds, sinusitis, hay fever
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