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Nicotergoline: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Nicotergoline - General Information

An ergot derivative that has been used as a cerebral vasodilator and in peripheral vascular disease. It has been suggested to ameliorate cognitive deficits in cerebrovascular disease. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Nicotergoline

Nicotergoline is a potent vasodilator (improves brain blood flow). On the cerebral level it prompts a lowering of vascular resistance, an increase in arterial flow and stimulates the use of oxygen and glucose. Nicotergoline also improves blood circulation in the lungs and limbs and has been shown to inhibit blood platelet aggregation.

 

Additional information about Nicotergoline

Nicotergoline Indication

For the treatment of senile dementia, migraines of vascular origin, transient ischemia, platelet hyper-aggregability, and macular degeneration.

Mechanism Of Action
Nicotergoline acts by inhibiting the postsynaptic alpha(1)-adrenoceptors on vascular smooth muscle. This inhibits the vasoconstrictor effect of circulating and locally released catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), resulting in peripheral vasodilation. Therefore the mechanism of Nicotergoline is to increase vascular circulation in the brain, thereby enhancing the transmission of nerve signals across the nerve fibres, which secrete acetylcholine as a neural transmitter.
Generic Name
Nicergoline
Drug Category
Nootropic Agents; Vasodilator Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Nicergoline
MNE; Nargoline; Nicergolin [German]; Nicergolina [Dcit]; Nicergoline [Usan-Ban-Inn-Jan]; Nicergolinum [Inn-Latin]; Nicotergoline; Nimergoline; Nimergoline Base; Sermion; Vasospan;
Chemical Formula
C24H26BrN3O3
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals