Dihydroergotamine (injection)

Generic name: dihydroergotamine (injection) [ dye-HYE-droe-er-GOT-a-meen ]
Brand name: D.H.E. 45 injection
Dosage form: injectable solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antimigraine agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dihydroergotamine injection?

Dihydroergotamine is an ergot alkaloid medicine that is used to treat a migraine or cluster headache attack. dihydroergotamine will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

This medicine is not for common tension headaches or daily use.

Dihydroergotamine injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dihydroergotamine injection side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dihydroergotamine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg;

• numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes;

• muscle pain in your arms or legs;

• leg weakness;

• fast or slow heartbeats;

• chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath;

• swelling or itching;

• stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody;

• severe headache; or

• discoloration or skin changes in your hands or feet.

Common side effects of dihydroergotamine may include:

• headache, dizziness, anxiety;

• diarrhea;

• numbness, tingling, burning pain;

• increased blood pressure;

• rash, increased sweating; or

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with dihydroergotamine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use dihydroergotamine if you are allergic to it or similar medicines (ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine, and others), or if you have:

• heart disease, chest pain (angina), coronary artery disease, a history of a heart attack or stroke;

• circulation problems such as peripheral vascular disease;

• uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection).

• severe liver or kidney disease;

• if you are allergic to dihydroergotamine or other ergot medicine (ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine); or

• if you have had vascular surgery.

Some drugs should not be used with dihydroergotamine. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin or erythromycin;

• antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole; or

• antiviral medicine for HIV or hepatitis C.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• blood circulation problems in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;

• chest pain, shortness of breath;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• risk factors for coronary artery disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, menopause, smoking, family history of coronary artery disease, being overweight, being over 40 and a man).

Dihydroergotamine can affect blood circulation to your uterus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use dihydroergotamine if you are pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 3 days after your last dose. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

How should I use dihydroergotamine injection?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dihydroergotamine is injected under the skin or into a muscle. Dihydroergotamine is sometimes injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Use an injection as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or shortly after an attack has begun.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

If you still have a headache after 1 injection, you may use up to 2 more injections (spaced 1 hour apart), until your headache goes away.

Call your doctor if you still have a headache after 3 injections.

If you have another headache in the same day, you may use the medicine again if at least 6 hours have passed since your last injection.

Do not use more than a total of 3 injections in 24 hours, or more than 6 injections in 1 week.

You may need medical tests to check your heart function.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not use past the expiration date.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Dihydroergotamine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine:

Parenteral:
Initial dose: 1 mg IM/IV/subcutaneously
-Additional 1 mg dose may be given at hourly intervals as needed not to exceed daily maximums
Maximum doses:
-IV: 2 mg/24 hours; 6 mg/7-day period
-IM/subcutaneously: 3 mg/ 24 hours; 6 mg/ 7-day period

Nasal Spray:
Initial dose: 0.5 mg (1 spray) intranasally into both nostrils; repeat in 15 minutes
Total dose: 2 mg (2 sprays in each nostril 15 minutes apart)
-Acute doses greater than 2 mg have not been shown to provide additional benefits
Maximum doses: 3 mg/24 hours; 4 mg/7-day period

Comments:
-This drug should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine headache has been established.
-This drug is not intended for chronic daily administration.

Use: For the acute treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura.

Usual Adult Dose for Cluster Headache:

Initial dose: 1 mg IM/IV/subcutaneously
-Additional 1 mg dose may be given at hourly intervals as needed not to exceed daily maximums
Maximum doses:
-IV: 2 mg/24 hours; 6 mg/7-day period
-IM/subcutaneously: 2 mg/ 24 hours; 6 mg/ 7-day period

Comments:
-This drug is not intended for chronic daily administration.

Use: For the acute treatment of cluster headache episodes.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Dihydroergotamine is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Do not use more than 3 injections per day or 6 injections per week.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

What should I avoid while using dihydroergotamine injection?

Do not use dihydroergotamine within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine. This includes another ergot medicine (ergotamine, methylergonovine) or "triptan" medicine (such as almotriptan, eletriptan).

Grapefruit may interact with dihydroergotamine and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect dihydroergotamine injection?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect dihydroergotamine, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• nicotine gum or patches;

• an antidepressant; or

• medicine to treat an infection.

This list is not complete. Many drugs can affect dihydroergotamine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the new drugs for the treatment of migraines?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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