Description
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate is often prescribed for the treatment of migraines and headaches when other forms of treatment have not been successful. It is inhaled through the nostrils to provide quick relief of headaches as they start.
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate works by tightening the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to a decrease in pain signals. If blood vessels are too relaxed, this can push into the surrounding tissue and cause inflammation that leads to headaches.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C33H37N5O5 |
License |
US FDA, EU EMA |
Bioavailability |
32% |
Legal status |
Rx-only |
Chemical Name |
Dihydroergotamine |
Elimination half-life |
9 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
0.5mg |
Pregnancy |
Consult Doctor |
Brands |
Migranal, Trudhesa |
Protein binding |
93% |
PubChem CID |
10531 |
MedlinePlus |
a603022 |
ChEBI |
4562 |
ATC code |
N02CA01 |
DrugBank |
DB00722 |
KEGG |
D07837 |
Routes of administration |
Nasal |
Directions
The standard dosage is to inhale one inhalation through the nose at the onset of symptoms. Repeat every hour as needed, do not exceed 3 mg per 24 hour period. Do not exceed 6 mg in a week.
Taking more than the recommended maximum can lead to rebound headache and worsening of pain and other symptoms.
Ingredients
The active ingredient is Dihydroergotamine Mesylate.
Interactions
There are many drug-drug interactions with this medication, including:
- Abametapir
- Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
- Alpha1-Agonists
- Bromocriptine
- Atazanavir
- Ceritinib
- Clarithromycin
- Cobicistat and cobicistat-containing coformulations
- Darunavir
- Idelalisib
- Indinavir
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Levoketoconazole
- Lonafarnib
- Lopinavir
- Mifepristone
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir
- Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir plus dasabuvir
- Posaconazole
- Ritonavir and ritonavir-containing coformulations
- Saquinavir
- Telithromycin
- Tucatinib
- Voriconazole
- Erythromycin
- Fosamprenavir
- Roxithromycin
- Triptans
- Tipranavir
- Nitroglycerin
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of valvular heart disease before taking this drug.
This medication has been associated with serious and life threatening ischemia.
Use caution if you have a prior history of stroke.
Side Effects
Dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray side effects can include:
- Altered sense of smell
- Asthgenia
- Burning sensation of the nose
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry nose
- Dysgeusia
- Ear discomfort
- Epistaxis
- Hot flash
- Nasal cavity pain
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal discomfort
- Nasal mucosal irritation
- Nasal sore
- Nasopharyngitis
- Nausea
- Pharyngitis
- Rhinitis
- Rhinorrhea
- Sinus discomfort
- Stiffness
- Vomiting
Tell your pharmacist and doctor if you experience any of the above while taking this medication.
References
Dihydroergotamine. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis; year.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 10122