How does it work?

Dihydroergotamine mesylate is a derivative of the medicine ergotamine. They are both used in the treatment of migraines. Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine attacks. It is also believed that a chemical called serotonin is released in the brain at the beginning of an attack. Serotonin causes the release of other chemicals which cause blood vessels in the brain to widen. Serotonin itself causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Dihydroergotamine binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, which causes the blood vessels to narrow. By decreasing the width of blood vessels in the brain dihydroergotamine relieves the pain of migraine headaches.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

This medicine should not be used to prevent migraines.

This preparation should not be used in excess of the recommended dose or on a long-term daily basis as it may cause rebound headache.

People who use this medicine should not exceed the maximal allowed dose. The symptoms of overdosage include numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, and non-migrane related nausea and vomiting. Should signs of overdosage occur, treatment must be discontinued and their physician should be consulted at once.

Use with caution in

Cholestatic hepatitis

Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies

Mild to moderately decreased liver function

Nasal congestion

Swelling of the nasal lining (rhinitis)

Not to be used in

A type of migraine where there is a disturbance in brain function which initially presents with total blindness followed by dizziness, speach disturbances, ringing in the ears and double vision (basilar migraine)

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Angina pectoris

Breastfeeding

Coronary heart disease

Genitically inherited migraine which presents as paralysis of one side of the body

Infection of the blood or tissues (septicaemia)

Injury to the brain

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands, causing numb and painful fingers (Raynaud's disease)

Pregnancy

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Severely decreased liver function

Small stroke caused by blood clots temporarily blocking blood vessels in the brain

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Refer to the printed instructions for maximum weekly intake.

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