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Some medications should not be taken with dihydroergotamine. Using dihydroergotamine with some medications may cause serious blood circulation problems. These problems may cause strokes and death. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting dihydroergotamine with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking dihydroergotamine, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
You will be given the Medication Guide. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm to obtain the Medication Guide.
WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Dihydroergotamine nasal spray is used to treat migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound and light). Dihydroergotamine is in a class of medications called ergot alkaloids. It works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and by stopping the release of natural substances in the brain that cause swelling.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Dihydroergotamine comes as a liquid and as a powder to spray in the nose. Use at the first sign of a migraine headache. Your doctor will tell you how often you should use dihydroergotamine nasal spray. Your doctor will also tell you what to do if your symptoms do not improve or come back after you use dihydroergotamine nasal spray. Dihydroergotamine nasal spray should be given at start of migraine symptoms but can be used at any time during the migraine.
Use dihydroergotamine nasal spray exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You may use your first dose of dihydroergotamine nasal spray in a doctor's office or other medical facility where you can be monitored for serious reactions.
Using dihydroergotamine nasal spray more than 10 times in a one month period may cause headaches to worsen. To help prevent this from happening, be sure to mark on a calendar or write down days when dihydroergotamine nasal spray is used. Call your doctor if your headaches do not get better or occur more frequently after using dihydroergotamine nasal spray
Your doctor will show you how to use dihydroergotamine nasal spray. Read the written instructions that come with it before using your first dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use dihydroergotamine nasal spray.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using dihydroergotamine nasal spray,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Dihydroergotamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using dihydroergotamine nasal spray and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Dihydroergotamine nasal spray may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and light. Keep dihydroergotamine powder nasal spray sealed in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Dispose of unused dihydroergotamine solution (liquid) nasal spray 8 hours after you open the vial. Do not freeze dihydroergotamine solution (liquid) nasal spray.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to dihydroergotamine nasal spray.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: November 15, 2025.