Dihydroergotamine injection
Dihydroergotamine injection
What is this medicine?
DIHYDROERGOTAMINE (dye hye droe er GOT a meen) is used to treat migraine headaches with or without aura. It should not be used to prevent migraine headaches.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not use more than the maximum daily or weekly dose. This drug is not for daily use.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
fast, irregular heartbeat
muscle pain or cramps
pain, tightness, or discomfort in your chest
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
weakness in legs
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in the taste of food
cold hands or feet
nasal congestion or sore throat
nausea
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medicines:
clarithromycin
cocaine
conivaptan
dexfenfluramine
ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
ephedrine
erythromycin
feverfew
grapefruit juice
imatinib
medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
medicines used to treat colds or breathing difficulties
medicines used to treat fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole
midodrine
nefazodone
nitrate medicines like nitroglycerin
some medicines for HIV
troleandomycin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
medicines for blood pressure
medicines for mental depression
nicotine
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Use this medicine only when you have a headache. Do not use double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light, moisture, and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood vessel problems, or surgery on your arteries
chest pain
heart disease
high blood pressure
infection
kidney disease
liver disease
risk factors for heart disease like smoking, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or if you are a postmenopausal female or a male over 40 years of age
an unusual or allergic reaction to dihydroergotamine, ergot alkaloids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018