II. Indications

  1. Migraine Abortive Management
    1. Largely replaced by Triptans

III. Contraindications

  1. Children
  2. Hemiplegic Migraine (or basilar Migraine)
  3. Ischemic or vasospastic cardiac disease
  4. Sepsis
  5. Peripheral Vascular Disease
  6. Vascular surgery
  7. Renal Impairment
  8. Hepatic Impairment
  9. Uncontrolled Hypertension

IV. Mechanism

  1. Ergot derivative acting at alpha adrenergic, serotonergic and Dopaminergic Receptors
  2. Binds and stimulates 5-HT1D receptor, a Serotonin receptor subtype
    1. Constricting Cerebral Vessels
    2. Also acts at trigeminal Sensory Nerve Endings to suppress release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides

V. Precautions

  1. Give first dose in health care facility in those with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

VI. Medications

  1. See Intranasal Dihydroergotamine (Migranal)
  2. Dihydroergotamine (DHE-45) 1 mg/ml
  3. Brekiya Auto-Injector 1 mg/ml injection
    1. Inject into mid-thigh

VII. Dosing: Adults

  1. See Intranasal Dihydroergotamine (Migranal)
  2. Parenteral Dihydroergotamine
    1. Initial: 1 mg SC/IM/IV over 3-4 minutes
    2. Repeat: May repeat every 1 hour (up to 2 mg IV or 3 mg IM/SC in 24 hours)
    3. Maximum: 6 mg/week, 20 mg/month

VIII. Adverse Effects

  1. Cerebrovascular Accident
  2. Retroperitoneal fibrosis

IX. Safety

  1. Avoid in Pregnancy (Pregnancy Category X)
  2. Avoid in Lactation

X. Drug Interactions

  1. Avoid with concurrent similar agents
    1. Ergotamine
    2. Methysergide
    3. Triptans

XI. Efficacy

  1. Advantages
    1. Weaker Vasoconstrictor (less Side Effects)
    2. No Rebound Headache

XII. Resources

Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)

Cost: Medications

dihydroergotamine (on 9/21/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing)
DIHYDROERGOTAMINE MESYLATE 4 MG/ML NASAL SPRAY Generic $147.05 per ml