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Antidiarrheal effects of dihydroergotamine
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|May 1, 1977
Summary
Dihydroergotamine (DHE) effectively treated 121 of 123 diarrhea patients by counteracting rectal hyperactivity and increasing colonic tone. Diphenoxylate (DPO) offered alternative or supplementary treatment, indicating distinct therapeutic mechanisms for diarrhea management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Neurogastroenterology
Background:
- Diarrhea is often associated with abnormal colonic motility and neurologic control.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Dihydroergotamine (DHE) in treating diarrhea.
- To explore the mechanisms of action of DHE and Diphenoxylate (DPO) in diarrheal patients.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of 123 diarrheal patients treated with DHE.
- Manometric studies of the distal colon to assess DHE's effects on rectal and sigmoidal activity.
- Evaluation of DPO's efficacy alone and in combination with DHE.
Main Results:
- DHE rapidly improved symptoms in 121 out of 123 patients.
- DHE normalized rectal hyperactivity and increased sigmoidal tone.
- Anticholinergic drugs and emotional stimuli exacerbated rectal hyperactivity.
- DPO was effective in two DHE-resistant cases and enhanced DHE's effect in lactose intolerance.
Conclusions:
- Diarrhea may result from imbalanced neurologic control with alpha-adrenergic dominance.
- DHE is a promising treatment for diarrhea by modulating colonic motility.
- DHE and DPO possess distinct mechanisms, offering complementary therapeutic options.