$Unique_ID{BRK01943}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ERGOLOID MESYLATES}
$Subject{ergoloid mesylates (various manufacturers)
Gerimal (Rugby)
Hydergine (Sandoz)
Niloric (Ascher)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Hydergine*0194301.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ERGOLOID MESYLATES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     ergoloid mesylates (various manufacturers)
     Gerimal (Rugby)
     Hydergine (Sandoz)
     Niloric (Ascher)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Vasodilator
INGREDIENT:
     Sergoloid mesylates
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules, liquid (1 mg)
     Oral tablets (0.5 mg and 1 mg)
     Sublingual tablets (0.5 mg and 1 mg)
     Oral liquid (1 mg per ml, with 30% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Ergoloid mesylates capsules, tablets, and oral liquid should be stored at
       room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  Never
       freeze this medication.

USES

     This medication is used to reduce the symptoms associated with senility.
It is not clear how ergoloid mesylates work, but it is thought that they act
by dilating (widening) the blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow to the
brain.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take the capsules, tablets,
or oral liquid with food or milk.  Be sure to measure the dose of the liquid
form of this medication carefully with the dropper provided.
     The sublingual form of this medication must be placed under the tongue
and allowed to dissolve completely.  Try not to swallow for as long as
possible, because the drug is more completely absorbed through the lining of
the mouth than it is from the stomach.  Do not drink any liquid, eat, or smoke
for at least ten minutes after placing the tablet under the tongue.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.  It may take three or four weeks for the effects of
this medication to become apparent.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, headache, irritation
under the tongue (with the sublingual form only), light-headedness, loss of
appetite, nasal congestion, nausea, stomach cramps, or vomiting.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
a slowed heart rate.

INTERACTIONS

     Ergoloid mesylates should not interact with other medications if they are
used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to ergoloid mesylates or ergot alkaloids (such as
ergonovine, ergotamine, or bromocriptine).
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had liver disease, low blood pressure,
porphyria, severe mental illness, or a slowed heart rate.
     * Ergoloid mesylates may lessen your ability to adjust to the cold.
Therefore, since you may experience increased sensitivity, do not expose your
body to very cold temperatures for prolonged periods.
     * Your doctor may want you to take your pulse daily while you are using
this medication.  Contact your doctor if your pulse becomes slower than normal
or if it drops below 50 beats per minute.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision, do not
take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (rash, shortness of
breath, fainting) in certain susceptible individuals.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
