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Symptoms: nausea; vomiting; drowsiness; confusion; tachycardia; dizziness; respiratory depression; hypotension; convulsion; shock; coma; symptoms and complications of ergotism.
Ergotism is defined as an intense arterial vasoconstriction, producing signs and symptoms of vascular ischemia of the extremities such as numbness, tingling and pain in the extremities, cyanosis, absence of pulse and if the condition is allowed to progress untreated, gangrene may result. Furthermore ergotism can also involve signs and symptoms of vascular ischemia of other tissues such as renal or cerebral vasospasm. Most cases of ergotism are associated with chronic intoxication and/or overdose.
Treatment: In the case of orally ingested drug, administration of activated charcoal is recommended. In the case of very recent oral intake, gastric lavage may be considered.
Treatment should be symptomatic. In the event of severe vasospastic reactions, i.v. administration of a peripheral vasodilator such as nitroprusside, phentolamine or dihydralazine, local application of warmth to the affected area and nursing care to prevent tissue damage are recommended. In the event of coronary constriction, appropriate treatment such as nitroglycerin should be initiated.
