Dihydroergotamine Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine

IM or subcutaneous: Initial dose: 1 mg given as quickly as possible after the first symptom of headache. Additional 1 mg doses can be given hourly until the headache has stopped or a total dose of 3 mg has been reached. The total weekly dose should not exceed 6 mg.

IV: Initial dose: 1 mg given as quickly as possible after the first symptom of headache. Additional 1 mg doses can be given hourly until the headache has stopped or a total dose of 2 mg has been reached. The total weekly dose should not exceed 6 mg.

Intranasal: 1 spray (0.5 mg) into each nostril (total = 1 mg). Repeat if needed within 15 minutes to a maximum of 4 sprays (2 mg) per day. The total weekly dose should not exceed 8 sprays (4 mg).

Usual Adult Dose for Cluster Headache

IM or subcutaneous: Initial dose: 1 mg given as quickly as possible after the first symptom of headache. Additional 1 mg doses can be given hourly until the headache has stopped or a total dose of 3 mg has been reached. The total weekly dose should not exceed 6 mg.

IV: Initial dose: 1 mg given as quickly as possible after the first symptom of headache. Additional 1 mg doses can be given hourly until the headache has stopped or a total dose of 2 mg has been reached. The total weekly dose should not exceed 6 mg.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use in patients with severe renal dysfunction is contraindicated.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction is contraindicated.

Dose Adjustments

The dosage can be tailored to the patient by identifying the minimal effective dose during several headaches, then using that amount as the starting dose for subsequent headaches.

Precautions

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age).

Dialysis

Data not available

See also...