Brand & Generic Names

Gerimal
Hydergine
Hydergine LC
Niloric

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Ergot preparation

Uses

Treatment for reduced alertness, poor memory, confusion, depression or lack of motivation in the elderly.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Liquid--Take as directed on label.
Sublingual tablets--Dissolve tablet under tongue.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Stimulates brain-cell metabolism to increase use of oxygen and nutrients.

Time lapse before drug works:
Gradual improvements over 3 to 4 months.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs containing alcohol without consulting doctor.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Headache, flushed face, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, blood pressure drop, blurred vision, weakness, collapse, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Runny nose, skin flushing, headache.

Infrequent:

• Slow heartbeat, tingling fingers.
• Blurred vision.

Rare:

• Fainting.
• Rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness when getting up, fever, drowsiness, soreness under tongue, appetite loss.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:

• If you are allergic to any ergot preparation.
• Your heartbeat is less than 60 beats per minute.
• Your systolic blood pressure is consistently below 100.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have had low blood pressure.
• If you have liver disease.

Over age 60:
Primarily used in persons older than 60. Results unpredictable, but many patients show improved brain function.

Pregnancy:
Not recommended. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Risk to nursing child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy, faint or have blurred vision. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Ergot preparations,	May cause decreased circulation to
other	arms, legs, feet and hands. Avoid.
Sympathomimetics*	May cause decreased circulation to
	arms, legs, feet and hands. Avoid.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Use caution. May drop blood
	pressure excessively.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Overstimulation. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Decreased effect of ergot
	alkaloids.
Tobacco:	Decreased ergoloid effect. Don't
	smoke.