Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Ergotamine, IUPAC name 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-9-hydroxy-6-methyl-3,4-dimethyl-1H-indole-4-carboxylic acid 2-butenyl ester, is an ergot alkaloid with molecular formula C13H16N2O2 and molecular weight 228.28 g/mol. Structurally, it features a substituted indole ring fused to a tetrahydroisoquinoline moiety, with hydroxyl, methyl, and ester functionalities. Therapeutically, it is used for acute migraine and cluster headache management. It exhibits low solubility in water but is soluble in alcohol. Mechanistically, ergotamine acts as a serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist, inducing vasoconstriction and inhibiting neurogenic inflammation. Its dopamine receptor agonist activity contributes to peripheral vasoconstriction. Metabolized via hepatic oxidation, it is excreted renally.