Nicergoline (INN, marketed under the trade name Sermion) is an ergot derivative used to treat 

senile dementia and other disorders with vascularorigins. It decreases vascular resistance and

increases arterial blood flow in the brain, improving the utilization of oxygen and glucose by

brain cells. It has similar vasoactive properties in other areas of the body, particularly the lungs.

It is used for vascular disorders such as cerebral thrombosis and atherosclerosis, arterial blockages

in the limbs, Raynaud’s disease, vascularmigraines, and retinopathy.

Nicergoline has been registered in over fifty countries and has been used for more than three decades

for the treatment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral disorders of older people.

Persons suffering from acute bleeding, myocardial infarction (heart conditions), hypertension,

 bradycardia or using alpha or beta receptor agonists should consult with their physician before use.

Although toxicology studies have not shown nicergoline to have any teratogenic effect, the use

of this medicine during pregnancy should be limited to those cases where it is absolutely necessary.

On 28 June 2013 the European Medicines Agency recommended restricting the use of medicines

containing ergot derivatives, including nicergoline. They stated that “these medicines should no

longer be used to treat several conditions involving blood circulation problems or problems with

memory and sensation, or to prevent migraine headaches, since the risks are greater than the

benefits in these indications. This is based on a review of data showing an increased risk of fibrosis

(formation of excess connective tissue that can damage organs and body structures) and ergotism

(symptoms of ergot poisoning, such as spasms and obstructed blood circulation) with these medicines.”

Nicergoline is considered unsafe in porphyria.

The side effects of nicergoline are usually limited to nausea, hot flushes, mild gastric upset, hypotension

and dizziness.At high dosagesbradycardia, increased appetite, agitation, diarrhea and perspiration have

been known to occur. A single case of acute interstitial nephritis has been reported.