Dihydroergotamine (Migranal) Drug for Migraine Headache: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Dihydroergotamine
(Migranal, United States and Canada)

Use:

Dihydroergotamine or Migranal is a nasal spray used for the treatment of migraine headaches.

How It Works:

Dihydroergotamine or Migranal stimulated specific neuro chemical - serotonin - receptors to cause vaso constriction.

Side Effects:

Because it is a nasal spray, Dihydroergotamine or Migranal can cause nasal irritation. Drowsiness may occur.

Cautions for People:

People need specific instructions on the nasal spray's use. It cannot be prepared ahead of time because it becomes unstable in 8 hours and must be discarded. The dose is one spray in each nostril with the dose repeated in 15 minutes if needed.

Drug Interactions:

Dihydroergotamine or Migranal can interact with any other drug that also causes drowsiness.

Further Reading:

Neurology 1996;47:361
Arch Neurol 1996;53:180
Neurology 1994;44:447

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.