Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection Description

This medication is an ergot alkaloid that can be prescribed for treating migraine headaches and cluster headaches. A Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection is not for the prevention of these headaches, nor will it reduce the number of attacks you have. It can be administered by you or a family member that has been shown the proper technique for injecting Dihydroergotamine Mesylate under your skin, called subcutaneously, by a healthcare professional.

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Stimulates Serotonin to Treat Migraine Pain

At the first sign of a migraine, the Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection can be given, usually in a thigh, high above your knee. As it is absorbed and enters your bloodstream, it stimulates a neurotransmitter called serotonin. This chemical is required for transmitting a range of nerve signals to your brain. Inflammation will also be reduced and will cause blood vessels around your brain to contract and ease the blood flow. This decreases your symptoms so you are able to carry on with your daily activities.

Conditions Treated by Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection is only administered once a migraine has started. Some individuals may experience a migraine with an aura. This is a visual symptom that could involve zigzag flashes of lights in or just out of your line of vision, cloudy or fuzzy spots, or a temporary vision loss. Some of the lucky people have only the aura and no headache pain, referred to as an ocular, silent, or acephalgic migraine.

Cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns, or clusters, and are the most painful type of headache. Cluster periods can last for weeks or months and are followed by remission that could last for months or years. They usually affect only one side of your head or around one eye. A single attack may last from 15 minutes to 3 hours and end as suddenly as it began.

Before Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection is Administered

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate is not recommended for anyone that is currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or is breast feeding. You may need to delay treatment until baby is born and/or begin formula feedings. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements. This will help your doctor determine if Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection is safe for you.

Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection Precautions

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection will affect your mental or physical abilities. Keep Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection and other injection material out of children’s reach. Ask your pharmacist for a sharps container to safely deposit syringes, needles, or empty vials in. These are free of charge and when it is full it can be returned to the drugstore for another empty container as needed.

Possible Side Effects of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Sweating

Seek medical help right away if you experience chest pain, muscle pain in arms or legs, vision or speech impairment, shortness of breath

Drugs Similar to Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Injection

• Migranal Nasal Spray
• Cafergot
• Frova