Dihydroergotamine injection

Generic name: Dihydroergotamine (injection)
Brand names: D.H.E. 45 Injection
Dosage form: injectable solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antimigraine agents

Usage of 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.

Before taking Dihydroergotamine injection

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.

Relate drugs

How to use Dihydroergotamine injection

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 maximumsMaximum 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 maximumsMaximum doses: -IV: 2 mg/24 hours; 6 mg/7-day period-IM/subcutaneously: 2 mg/ 24 hours; 6 mg/ 7-day periodComments: -This drug is not intended for chronic daily administration.Use: For the acute treatment of cluster headache episodes.

Warnings

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

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.

Disclaimer

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