Dihydroergotamine - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use dihydroergotamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dihydroergotamine.

• Dihydroergotamine
• Any other medicine known as an ergot alkaloid
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dihydroergotamine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Dihydroergotamine should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. If you use dihydroergotamine with certain other medicines, it can cause severe blood flow problems to your feet or legs. This is a serious condition called peripheral ischemia, which can lead to symptoms such as cramping, pain, tingling, weakness or heaviness in your legs or feet. It can also lead to stroke or death. Before using dihydroergotamine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Kidney Problems. Dihydroergotamine should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to use this medicine.

Liver Problems. Dihydroergotamine should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to use this medicine.

Heart Problems or Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure. Dihydroergotamine should not be used if you have or have had heart problems, including chest pain (angina), a heart attack, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or coronary artery vasospasm. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these problems.

Blood Vessel Problems. Dihydroergotamine should not be used if you have certain problems with your arteries or veins (peripheral vascular disease) or if you have had vascular surgery. Discuss these issues with your health care provider to help them decide if you can use dihydroergotamine.

Other Types of Headache. Not all headaches can be treated with dihydroergotamine. In particular, hemiplegic and basilar headaches should not be treated with dihydroergotamine. Talk with your health care provider if you are unsure if you have these types of headaches.

What should I know about dihydroergotamine before using it?

Do not use dihydroergotamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not use more of this medicine than prescribed, and do not use it every day. Using it more often than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects. See the Side Effects section for more details.

Do not share dihydroergotamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dihydroergotamine out of the reach of children.

Dihydroergotamine should not be used to prevent headaches. 

Dihydroergotamine is an injection that can be given under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. If you are self-injecting dihydroergotamine, make sure you know how to prepare and give yourself the medicine before you need it. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions.

Different dihydroergotamine products may have different instructions for preparing and injecting the medicine and how long the medicine is good for once it has been prepared. Make sure you read the instructions that come with your medicine for details. If you have any questions, contact your health care provider.

Do not prepare dihydroergotamine until you need it. Do not use it if the solution is not clear and colorless.

It may be helpful to keep a headache journal where you write down when you get your headaches and when you use dihydroergotamine. This information could be shared with your health care provider to see how the medicine is working for you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using dihydroergotamine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if dihydroergotamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Heart problems or a history of heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease
• Kidney or liver problems
• Blood flow problems, including peripheral vascular disease or Raynaud’s syndrome
• Stomach or intestinal problems

Pregnancy. Dihydroergotamine may cause premature labor and should be avoided during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are using dihydroergotamine and for 3 days after your last dose. Dihydroergotamine may pass into breast milk or reduce your breast milk supply. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.