|Classification and external resources| Advanced ergotism with
gangrene Ergotism is the effect of long-term ergot poisoning,
traditionally due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by
the Claviceps purpurea fungus which infects rye and other
cereals, and more recently by the action of a number of
ergoline-based drugs. It is also known as ergotoxicosis, ergot
poisoning and Saint Anthony's Fire. Ergot poisoning is a
proposed explanation of bewitchment. The toxic ergoline
derivatives are found in ergot-based drugs (such as
methylergometrine, ergotamine or, previously, ergotoxine). The
deleterious side-effects occur either under high dose or when
moderate doses interact with potentiators such as azithromycin.
Convulsive symptoms  Convulsive symptoms include painful
seizures and spasms, diarrhea, paresthesias, itching, mental
effects including mania or psychosis, headaches, nausea and
vomiting. Usually the gastrointestinal effects precede central
nervous system effects. Gangrenous symptoms  The dry gangrene i