Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VINCAMINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Major alkaloid of Vinca minor L., Apocynaceae (occurs in the d- form). Claimed to increase
cerebral circulation and utilisation of oxygen. Used in variety of cerebral disorders.
Normally given by mouth as the base or as hydrochloride or tartrate salts.

SYNONYMS

C21-H26-N2-O3, "14, 15-dihydro-14-hydroxyeburamenine-14-carboxylic acid methyl ester",
"14, 15-dihydro-14-hydroxyeburamenine-14-carboxylic acid methyl ester", "13alpha-ethyl-2,
3, 5, 6, 12, 13, 13a, 13b-octahydro-12-hydroxy-1H-indolo-[3.2.1-de]pyrido[3.2.1-ij][1,
5]naphthyridine-12-carboxylic acid methyl ester", "13alpha-ethyl-2, 3, 5, 6, 12, 13, 13a,
13b-octahydro-12-hydroxy-1H-indolo-[3.2.1-de]pyrido[3.2.1-ij][1, 5]naphthyridine-12-
carboxylic acid methyl ester", Anasclerol, Angiopac, Arteriovinca, Decincan, Devincan,
Equipur, Novicet, Ocu-Vinc, Oxygeron, Perval, Pervincamine, Pervone, Tripervan, Vincadar,
Vincafolina, Vincafor, Vincagil, Vincamidol, Vincapan, Vincapront, Vincasaunier, Vincamax,
"Vinodrel Retard", "alkaloid Vinca minor", vasodilator

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  When given by mouth or by injection, in therapeutic doses, vasodilators may produce transient flushing of the face, a sensation of heat, a pounding in the head, peripheral oedema, headache, hypotension, palpitations, dizziness and fatigue. Most reactions are dose dependent and transient. High doses may cause flushing and dryness of the skin, skin lesions, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, malaise, anorexia, activation of peptic ulcer, jaundice and impairment of liver function, decrease in glucose tolerance, mild diabetes and hyperuricaemia. Most of these effects subside with withdrawal of the drug.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Vinca alkaloids are toxic to the nervous system. There may be general unwellness, headache, depression, hallucinations, "pins and needles", muscle damage, tendon reflex loss, neural inflammation of the extremities, constipation, and obstructed small bowel. The parotid gland (which produces saliva) may be painful and there can be convulsions.