Dihydroergotamine Mesylate

Cluster Headache, Migraine Disorders
Treatment
4 Active Studies for Dihydroergotamine Mesylate

What is Dihydroergotamine Mesylate

DihydroergotamineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDihydroergotamine is a drug used to treat migraines. It is not as commonly used as other medications due to its less desirable side effects. However, recent advancements in intranasal delivery systems have made it more effective, allowing for a higher concentration of the medication to be delivered to the upper nasal cavity and resulting in a 3-fold increase in effectiveness.
Migranalis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Migranal
Dihydroergotamine
1997
21

Effectiveness

How Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Affects PatientsDHE is used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. It works by affecting the nerves and blood vessels in the brain, which can reduce the symptoms associated with the headaches. It does this by stimulating certain serotonin-related activities, which can lead to decreased activity in the trigeminal system, as well as cause constriction of the blood vessels. This can help reduce the pain of a migraine attack and also lead to the side effect of feeling tightness in the chest.
How Dihydroergotamine Mesylate works in the bodyDHE works in multiple ways to relieve the effects of migraines. It constricts the blood vessels, which become widened during a migraine attack. It also decreases pain signals sent to the brain, and inhibits the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. DHE has 10 times less potency than ergotamine, meaning it is less likely to cause side effects. However, it is hard to predict how DHE will affect someone due to its slow diffusion from receptors.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate is predicated upon the diagnosed affliction. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the system of delivery (e.g. Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous or Spray, metered) delineated in the accompanying table.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Cluster Headache
, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 0.5 mg/pump actuation
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Nasal, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal
Migraine Disorders
, 1.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg, 0.5 mg/pump actuation
, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Nasal, Tablet - Oral, Oral, Tablet, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal

Warnings

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Coronary Artery Vasospasm
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Chest Pain
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Documented Silent Ischemia
Do Not Combine
Severe Hepatic Impairment
Do Not Combine
severe renal dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Basilar Migraine
Do Not Combine
Hypertensive disease
Do Not Combine
severe hepatic dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Hemiplegic migraine
Do Not Combine
Vasospastic Angina
Do Not Combine
Women who are breast-feeding or pregnant
Do Not Combine
Vascular Surgery
Do Not Combine
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Coronary Artery Disease
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Dihydroergotamine may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Dihydroergotamine Mesylate.
Common Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine
Major
Dihydroergotamine may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.
4-Methoxyamphetamine
Major
Dihydroergotamine may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of 4-Methoxyamphetamine.
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Major
Dihydroergotamine may increase the vasoconstricting activities of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine.
Abediterol
Major
Dihydroergotamine may increase the hypertensive and vasoconstricting activities of Abediterol.
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Dihydroergotamine.
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on ergot can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and a bluish discoloration of the extremities along with weak or no pulses. Other symptoms may include shallow or absent breathing, changes in blood pressure, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and vomiting. Those affected should be kept warm and given vasodilators as treatment. Contact local poison control for more information on how to treat ergot overdose.

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Dihydroergotamine Mesylate?

A total of 7 active studies are exploring the efficacy of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate in treating Cluster Headache.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Migraine Disorders
0 Actively Recruiting
Cluster Headache
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Reviews: What are patients saying about Dihydroergotamine Mesylate?

5Patient Review
6/20/2013
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
Migranal is by far the best of the triptans I've tried. If you start inhaling before you spray it, you can largely avoid nasal congestion.
5Patient Review
3/1/2012
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
I went to my doctor and my neurologist for a new onset headache. I've always had migraines and have taken other medications before, but this new headache was not like a normal migraine, and persisted for about a month.. Migranal is a lifesaver! after two days (four doses) my month-long headache is gone!
5Patient Review
1/21/2018
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
I've been using migranal for five years now, and it's completely changed how I manage my migraines. It's by far the most effective medication I've tried-- stronger than anything else I've taken, including IV medications-- with very few side effects.
5Patient Review
8/7/2013
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
This product is the only one that works for my migraine headaches.
5Patient Review
7/22/2010
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
5Patient Review
12/6/2010
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
5Patient Review
8/8/2011
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
I think the neurologist gave me the wrong medication because I have high blood pressure and am on three different kinds of blood pressure medication.
5Patient Review
8/17/2011
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
This has been a miracle drug for me. Triptans did not work at all, and acetaminophen gave me rebound headaches. I've been using Migranal for about 3 years and have only had 2 migraines that it couldn't relieve. The taste is awful and it irritates my nose but that is minor compared to the side effects of other migraine meds. Assembling the spray pump is a pain especially when you are in pain. The cost recently skyrocketed but luckily my insurance still covers it.
5Patient Review
1/19/2016
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
Migranal has been an absolute lifesaver for me! I've tried just about everything over the past 20 years to no avail, but this finally did the trick. The only downside is that it's quite expensive (about $100 per bottle) and insurance companies don't seem too keen on covering it. So I end up hoarding it for only my worst migraines.
4.7Patient Review
4/8/2022
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
Finally, a medication that works for me! And because it's administered nasally, I don't have to worry about vomiting it up. The only downside is that I often need my husband to administer it because I'm so ill.
4.7Patient Review
4/29/2013
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
I was not very pleased with this medication. It made me feel like I was in a coma and the pain came back within hours. I researched it and found out that it is commonly given to women during childbirth.
4.7Patient Review
4/14/2011
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
This medication is excellent at quickly getting rid of migraines. I would highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from migraines on a regular basis.
4.7Patient Review
7/29/2011
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
This migraine medication is seriously a life saver. If I take it at the first sign of a headache, it's completely gone within an hour.
4Patient Review
4/25/2021
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
This is the only medication that has been effective in treating my migraines. Unfortunately, I can't take triptans.
3Patient Review
12/15/2011
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
I've tried so many different migraine medications over the years, and this one is definitely up there as far as effectiveness goes. I was really surprised at how quickly it worked and that I didn't have any of the usual side effects.
2Patient Review
10/23/2012
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
Unfortunately, this medication made my migraines worse. I've even had to go to the ER for IV treatment as a result. The other issue is that you can't tilt your head back or sniff in when you spray it, so most of it just comes right back out anyway.
2Patient Review
3/29/2011
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
1.7Patient Review
7/13/2015
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
Not only did this medication exacerbate my headache, but I woke up with swollen sinuses! Clearly, this isn't an effective solution for migraines.
1.7Patient Review
3/26/2012
Dihydroergotamine Mesylate for Migraine Headache
I felt like I was in a comatose state :-(
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about dihydroergotamine mesylate

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the common name for dihydroergotamine?

"DHE is used to relieve migraines. The active ingredient, dihydroergotamine, is an alkaloid that is derived from ergot. DHE is available in both injectable and nasal spray forms."

Answered by AI

What is dihydroergotamine mesylate used for?

"This medicine is used to only treat acute migraine headaches, with or without aura. It will not relieve pain from any other type of headache. You need a prescription from your doctor to get this medicine."

Answered by AI

Is dihydroergotamine mesylate a narcotic?

"It is used as a non-narcotic analgesic, a vasoconstrictor agent, and a serotonergic agonist. It contains a 9,10alpha-dihydro derivative of ERGOTAMINE."

Answered by AI

How much does dihydroergotamine cost?

"The average cost of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate without insurance is $3,796.69, but the price may vary depending on the dosage prescribed. However, with a SingleCare coupon, the cost of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate is only $905.19 per 1, 1ML of 4MG/ML Solution."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Dihydroergotamine Mesylate