Which of the following is an adverse effect of ergotamines?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an adverse effect of ergotamines?

Ergotamines cause vasoconstriction of vascular smooth muscle through alpha-adrenergic and serotonergic (5-HT1B/1D) receptor activity. This action helps treat migraine by constricting cranial vessels, but it can also produce systemic effects. Nausea and vomiting are a well-known adverse effect because the drug can stimulate the GI tract and the chemoreceptor trigger zone. This side effect is common enough to anticipate and is often mitigated by giving an antiemetic. Hypertension and tachycardia can occur due to vasoconstriction, but saying “only” those symptoms would omit other typical adverse effects. Hyperglycemia and hair loss are not characteristic adverse effects of ergotamines, making them less likely explanations for the drug’s adverse effect profile.

Ergotamines cause vasoconstriction of vascular smooth muscle through alpha-adrenergic and serotonergic (5-HT1B/1D) receptor activity. This action helps treat migraine by constricting cranial vessels, but it can also produce systemic effects. Nausea and vomiting are a well-known adverse effect because the drug can stimulate the GI tract and the chemoreceptor trigger zone. This side effect is common enough to anticipate and is often mitigated by giving an antiemetic.

Hypertension and tachycardia can occur due to vasoconstriction, but saying “only” those symptoms would omit other typical adverse effects. Hyperglycemia and hair loss are not characteristic adverse effects of ergotamines, making them less likely explanations for the drug’s adverse effect profile.

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