GENERIC NAME: DIHYDROERGOTAMINE - INJECTABLE (dye-HI-dro-er-GOT-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): D.H.E.45
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Infrequently, a very serious, life-threatening decrease in the amount of blood supply to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia) and rarely to the brain can occur when this medication is taken with drugs that affect liver metabolism (e.g., potent CYP 3A4 enzyme inhibitors). Do not take this medication with macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, amprenavir, saquinavir), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole).
USES: Dihydroergotamine is used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. It is not recommended for migraines affecting only one side of the brain (hemiplegic migraine), the base of the brain/neck area (basilar migraine), or to prevent migraines from occurring.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to prevent blood clots (e.g., thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism) or to treat low blood pressure (postural hypotension).
HOW TO USE: Learn how to prepare and inject this drug and review the dihydroergotamine Patient Information Sheet with your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication into a vein (IV), into a muscle (IM), or under the skin (SC), as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If your headache returns or you have no relief from the first dose, the dose may be repeated 1 hour after the first dose; but only if instructed to do so by your doctor. If giving this medication by the IM or SC route, a third dose may be given, if needed, 1 hour after the second dose. If any of the dosing information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If given IM or SC, do not exceed 3 ml of this medication in a 24-hour time period. If given IV, do not exceed 2 ml of this medication in a 24-hour time period. Do not use daily on a regular basis. Do not exceed giving 6 ml of this medication in a one-week time period. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Migraine - Learn about migraine headache including symptoms such as intense throbbing pain in the temple area of head. Migraine triggers vary from person to person.
- Cluster Headaches - Consumer medical information on cluster headaches, includes causes, preventive treatment and symptoms of a cluster headache.
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