A Game-Changer for Diabetes: Polymer Delivers Insulin Painlessly Through Skin
November 25, 2025
Free CME credits
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
Brand Name :
N/A
Synonyms :
9,10-dihydroergocristine, DHEC
Class :
Neuropsychiatric agent, Vasodilator, Ergot alkaloid
Brand Name :
N/A
Synonyms :
9,10-dihydroergocristine, DHEC
Class :
Neuropsychiatric agent, Vasodilator, Ergot alkaloid
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
1 mgÂ
2 mgÂ
Indicated in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular insufficiency related mental deterioration
Typically, a divided daily dose of 3–6 mg is advised
Dose Adjustments
Limited data is available
Safety and efficacy are not seen in pediatricsÂ
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
acrivastine and pseudoephedrineÂ
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of alpha/beta agonists
may decrease the vasodilatory effect when combined with nitroglycerin
they increase the effect of vasoconstriction of alpha-1 agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
bunazosin (Not available in the United States)
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha1-agonists
may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot Derivatives
may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot Derivatives
may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot Derivatives
may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot Derivatives
may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot Derivatives
may increase the vasoconstriction effect of sympathomimetic drugs
may increase the vasoconstriction effect of sympathomimetic drugs
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration of ergot derivatives
may increase the vasoconstricting effect of Serotonin 5-HT1D Receptor Agonists (Triptans)
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with bromocriptine
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with dihydroergotamine
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased vasoconstricting effect when combined with methysergide
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
it increases the concentration of ergot derivatives in serum
ergot derivatives increase the effect of vasoconstriction of alpha beta agonists
ergot Derivatives may enhance the serotonergic effect of serotonergic Agents
Beta-Blockers increase the effect of vasoconstriction of ergot derivatives
Beta-Blockers increase the effect of vasoconstriction of ergot derivatives
Beta-Blockers increase the effect of vasoconstriction of ergot derivatives
Beta-Blockers increase the effect of vasoconstriction of ergot derivatives
Beta-Blockers increase the effect of vasoconstriction of ergot derivatives
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may increase the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may have an increased serotonergic effect when combined with serotonergic agents
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may enhance the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may enhance the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may enhance the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may enhance the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Ergot alkaloids
It may enhance the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Ergot alkaloids
abametapir can increase the serum concentration of dihydroergocristine when combined with it
abatacept can increase the metabolism of dihydroergocristine when combined with it
the metabolism of acalabrutinib can decrease when combined with dihydroergocristine
acebutolol may enhance the vasoconstricting activities of dihydroergocristine
the metabolism of dihydroergocristine can decrease when combined with acetazolamide
When indisulam is used together with dihydroergocristine, this leads to a reduction in dihydroergocristine metabolism
When dihydroergocristine is used together with oleandomycin, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of dihydroergocristine
When dihydroergocristine is used together with ridaforolimus, this leads to enhanced concentration serum of dihydroergocristine
it may increase the effect of serotonergic agents
beta-blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot derivatives
beta-blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot derivatives
beta-blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot derivatives
beta-blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot derivatives
beta-blockers may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the vasoconstrictive effect of beta blockers
may increase the effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the effect of ergot derivatives
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the serum concentration
may increase the vasoconstricting effect
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased hypertensive effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may have an increased hypertensive effect when combined with ergot derivatives
may enhance the serum concentration of Ergot Derivatives
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Endothelin antagonists
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Endothelin antagonists
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Endothelin antagonists
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Estrogens
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Estrogens
bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Estrogens
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Estrogens
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Estrogens
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ethylenimine
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Ethylenimine
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
the metabolism of abemaciclib can decrease when combined with dihydroergocristine
the severity or risk of hypertension can increase when aceclofenac is combined with dihydroergocristine
the severity or risk of hypertension can increase when dihydroergocristine is combined with acemetacin
the metabolism of acenocoumarol can decrease when combined with dihydroergocristine
the metabolism of dihydroergocristine can increase when combined with acetaminophen
dihydroergocristine can decrease the metabolism of zanubrutinib when combined with it
the metabolism of dihydroergocristine can decrease when combined with zimelidine
dihydroergocristine may enhance the vasoconstricting activities of ziprasidone
dihydroergocristine may reduce the antihypertensive activities of zofenopril
dihydroergocristine may intensify the vasoconstricting activities of zolmitriptan
the metabolism of dihydroergocristine can decrease when combined with zuclopenthixol
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Actions:Â
Dihydroergocristine, an ergot alkaloid derived from natural sources, is employed for the symptomatic management of mental deterioration linked to cerebrovascular insufficiency and in the context of peripheral vascular disease.Â
Spectrum:Â
Dihydroergocristine, a member of the ergot alkaloid class, is a chemical compound originating from fungi of the Claviceps genus, commonly known for infecting grains like rye. It is derived from ergotamine and constitutes one of the elements in ergot formulations.Â
Ergot alkaloids exert vasoconstrictive effects on blood vessels and can influence neurotransmitter systems, especially those related to serotonin and dopamine. Historically, derivatives of ergot have served various medical purposes, including labor induction, migraine headache treatment, and the management of specific vascular disorders.
However, their usage has declined with the advent of more targeted and safer medications. Always consult a healthcare professional for the latest and most accurate information on medications and their applications.Â
Frequency not definedÂ
Postural hypotension in Patients with HTNÂ
FlushingÂ
GI disturbancesÂ
HeadacheÂ
DizzinessÂ
Nasal congestionÂ
RashÂ
Black Box Warning:Â
 Limited data is availableÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
ContraindicationsÂ
CautionsÂ
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy.Â
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.Â
Pharmacology:Â
The mechanism of action of dihydroergocristine appears to involve noncompetitive antagonistic activity at serotonin receptors and a dual role as a partial agonist/antagonist at dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors. In Alzheimer’s research, dihydroergocristine acts as a direct inhibitor of Îł-secretase.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Dihydroergocristine has demonstrated an impact on memory and cognition, with observed effects in the brain attributed to an elevation in glutathione levels in age-related brain conditions. The documented influence on serotonin and adrenergic receptors has also been linked to the inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Additionally, exposure to dihydroergocristine has been associated with amphoteric vasoregulating activity, exhibiting a hypotensive effect in hypertensive individuals and a hypertensive effect in hypotensive individuals. This action involves promoting dilation in contracted arteries and a tonic effect in dilated arteries and arterioles.Â
The vasoregulating effect contributes to cerebral blood flow rise and increased oxygen consumption by the brain, aligning with the brain-protective role of dihydroergocristine. In studies related to Alzheimer’s, dihydroergocristine has shown a reduction in amyloid-beta levels across various cell types.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
The time to achieve peak effect is 0.5 hoursÂ
DistributionÂ
Protein-bound is 68%Â
The volume of distribution is 52 L/kgÂ
MetabolismÂ
The liver produces the primary metabolite of dihydroergocristine, which is 8′-hydroxy-dihydroergocristine. Extensive modification of dihydroergocristine occurs within the body, leading to an almost complete absence of the unchanged drug.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The primary route of dihydroergocristine elimination is through the bile, constituting more than 85% of the excreted dose. Urine elimination represents only 5% of the administered dose.Â
Administration:Â
Dihydroergocristine is commonly given through oral administration, usually in the form of tablets or capsules. The recommended dosage and administration instructions can differ depending on the specific medical condition, the medication’s formulation, and the guidance of the prescribing healthcare professional.
It is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines provided by a healthcare provider. In case of any uncertainties or questions regarding the administration of dihydroergocristine, seeking advice from a healthcare professional for personalized guidance is recommended.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: dihydroergocristineÂ
Pronounced: dye-hy-droh-ur-go-kris-teenÂ
Why do we use dihydroergocristine?Â
Dihydroergocristine has been employed for various medical purposes, although its utilization has declined over time with the emergence of more precise and safer medications. Some of the historical and potential applications of dihydroergocristine include:Â
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the use of dihydroergocristine and other ergot alkaloids is restricted due to their side effects and the presence of more targeted and safer alternatives. Healthcare professionals should decide on the use of dihydroergocristine based on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare provider for precise and current information regarding medication use.Â
Â
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.
A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.
When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.
