Dihydroergotamine is used to treat sudden attacks of migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
It helps relieve pain and other symptoms of a migraine attack.
Use Dihydroergotamine nasal spray exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you are using Dihydroergotamine nasal spray for the first time, remove the cap and press the pump for 4 times to produce an even spray.
To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:
- Blow your nose gently to clean your nostrils before using the spray.
- Close one nostril with your finger. Hold the pump straight and upright, placing the spray nozzle tip into the other nostril.
- Spray into the nostril and breathe in gently. Keep your head slightly tilted forward while holding the bottle vertically upright. Do not tilt your head backwards during or after using the spray.
- If more than one dose is required for each nostril, alternate the sprays between nostrils.
- After completion of one dose, carefully dispose the vial with the nasal spray device or pump.
Make sure you know how to use your nasal spray. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not share your nasal spray with others as it could spread infection.
Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes or mouth.
Use Dihydroergotamine only when you have a migraine attack.
This medicine should be used at the first sign of a migraine headache. If your migraine does not go away after taking the first dose, do not take a second dose without first asking your doctor. If your doctor says that you can take a second dose, wait for at least 1 hour from the time you took the first dose before taking the second dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Inform your doctor if Dihydroergotamine does not give you any relief.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- blood circulation problems
- severe infection
- recent vascular surgery (a procedure that can be used to treat heart and blood flow issues)
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Dihydroergotamine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Dihydroergotamine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not use Dihydroergotamine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use Dihydroergotamine with medicines used to treat HIV infection, fungal infection, and certain antibiotics. Please see the section "Can I use this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- rhinitis (inflammation of the inside lining of the nose caused by allergens)
- history of thickening of the membrane covering the lungs, lining the walls of the pleural cavity, and abdominal lining caused by other medicines
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels in the blood
- diabetes
- extremely overweight
- smoker
- mild to moderate liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dihydroergotamine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Dihydroergotamine should not be taken to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks.
Your doctor may need to do a medical examination and various tests before starting you on this medicine.
If you have an increased risk of heart disease, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose of Dihydroergotamine in the clinic so that he can monitor your response. You will also be required to have regular heart check-ups while being treated with this medicine.
This medicine is not a painkiller. Do not take it for any other purpose other than to relieve a migraine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Dihydroergotamine may cause dizziness or visual problems. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain or stiffness, and nose pain, dryness, irritation, congestion, burning sensation, and bleeding.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder, or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- coldness, numbness, and tingling of hands or feet, loss of movement, paleness, pain, and weakness
- high blood pressure
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Dihydroergotamine with the following medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, delaviridine, efavirenz
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin, tetracycline
- other medicines for migraine e.g. ergotamine, sumatriptan
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, nefazodone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. saquinavir
- other medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. clotrimazole, fluconazole
- other antibiotics e.g. quinupristin/dalfopristin, metronidazole
- cimetidine (medicine that neutralises stomach acids)
- zileuton (asthma medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dihydroergotamine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Certain types of food and food additives such as chocolate, cheese, coffee, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger a migraine attack. You may want to keep a food diary to help you identify possible foods that trigger off your attacks.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Throw away any unused (opened) nasal spray solution after 8 hours.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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