Dihydroergocryptine

Dihydroergocryptine (DHEC, trade name Almirid) is a dopamine agonist of the ergoline chemical class that is used as an antiparkinson agent. It is a component of some drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Pharmacology

Dihydroergocryptine is a mixture of two similar compounds, alpha-Dihydroergocryptine and beta-Dihydroergocryptine. It is a complex derivative of ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. Dihydroergocryptine is a dopamine agonist that binds preferentially to D2 and D3 dopamine receptor subtypes in the striatum and the limbic system in the brain. It has little effect on other neurotransmitters, which explains its lower side effect profile compared to other dopamine agonists.

Clinical use

Dihydroergocryptine has been in clinical use for decades. It has been shown to be as effective as levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but patients treated with dihydroergocryptine are less likely to develop motor complications such as dyskinesias and motor fluctuations. In addition, dihydroergocryptine has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, both in vitro and in vivo.

Side effects

The most common side effects of dihydroergocryptine are nausea, postural hypotension, and dizziness. These side effects can often be mitigated by taking the medication with food, or by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to the desired dose.

See also

• Ergoline
• Dopamine agonist
• Parkinson's disease

Dihydroergocryptine Resources
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