Methysergide maleate

Methysergide maleate is a pharmacological agent used primarily in the prevention of migraine and cluster headache. It is a derivative of ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. Methysergide maleate is also known by its trade name, Sansert.

Pharmacology

Methysergide maleate is a serotonin antagonist, meaning it blocks the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. It is believed to work by preventing the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, which is a common trigger for migraines and cluster headaches.

Clinical Use

Methysergide maleate is used as a prophylactic treatment for severe, chronic vascular headaches such as migraines and cluster headaches. It is not effective in treating an acute migraine attack. The drug is usually taken orally, and the dosage is adjusted according to the patient's response and tolerance.

Side Effects

Common side effects of methysergide maleate include nausea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can cause a serious condition known as retroperitoneal fibrosis, which is the formation of fibrous tissue in the area behind the stomach and intestines.

Contraindications

Methysergide maleate is contraindicated in patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the potential risk of harm to the fetus or infant.

History

Methysergide maleate was first synthesized in the 1950s by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz. It was one of the first drugs to be used in the prevention of migraines.

See Also

• Ergotamine
• Serotonin antagonist
• Migraine
• Cluster headache

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