What is "dihydroergocryptine"

n. A dopamine agonist of the ergoline chemical class used as an antiparkinsonian drug.

Dihydroergocryptine (DHEC, trade names Almirid, Cripar) is a dopamine agonist of the ergoline chemical class that is used as an antiparkinson agent. Dihydroergocryptine has been shown to be particularly effective as monotherapy in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. Initial monotherapy with a dopamine agonist (other examples include pergolide, pramipexole, and ropinirole) is associated with reduced risk for motor complications in Parkinson patients relative to levodopa. DHEC, like other dopamine agonists, aims to mimic the endogenous neurotransmitter and exert an antiparkinsonian effect. Recent evidence also supports that dopamine receptor agonists, instead of L-DOPA may slow or prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Dihydroergocryptine can also be used in migraine prophylaxis, as well as for the treatment of low blood pressure in elderly patients and peripheral vascular disorder. More commonly, it is used in combination with two similar compounds, dihydroergocornine and dihydroergocristine. This mixture is called ergoloid or codergocrine.