Only those who suffer from migraines know the pain they feel. The throbbing pain in the head, the inability to look at the light, the nausea... At times like these, you need quick relief. Dihydroergotamine nasal spray is a special medicine that doctors recommend to provide relief during the most severe migraines. Let's see what it is, how it works, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Dihydroergotamine is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs called `ergot alkaloids.` It is used to reduce migraine headaches, that is, after they have started.
The important thing is that this is not a medication used to prevent migraines. It is only used to control the symptoms once they occur.
Some people experience symptoms before a migraine attack. For example, they may see lights before their eyes, see streaks, or feel a tingling sensation in their body. We call this an `aura`. This medicine is used for migraines with `aura` as well as migraines without `aura`. In Sri Lanka and abroad, this medicine is available under brand names such as `(Migranal, TRUDHESA)`.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | If you have chest pain, a heart attack, other heart disease, or high blood pressure. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any infection in the body. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding (we will talk about this in more detail). |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to this Dihydroergotamine medicine, other ergot alkaloids, other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| Surgery | If you have recently undergone surgery or are scheduled to undergo surgery in the future. |
How should I use this nasal spray?
This is a nasal spray. Your doctor will explain to you exactly how to use it. Follow the instructions exactly . Do not use more than the prescribed amount. If you are not sure how to use the spray, ask your doctor again.
What if it is used incorrectly or excessively?
If you think you have taken more than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
This is not a daily medication. It is used as needed when a migraine occurs, so there is no mention of missing a dose here.
What other medications should not be used with this medicine?
Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with Dihydroergotamine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Never take Dihydroergotamine with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Other herbal medicines | Triptan medications such as almotriptan, eletriptan, sumatriptan. Other ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine, ergonovine. |
| Some antibiotics | Medicines like erythromycin and clarithromycin. |
| Medicines for HIV/Hepatitis | Some antiviral medications. |
| Antifungals | Medications such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole. |
| Other medications | Things like cocaine, nefazodone, nitrates (given for heart disease), pseudoephedrine (given for colds). |
| Problems can also occur with this medication (ask your doctor). | |
| Other types of drugs | Some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental illness, such as nicotine and zileuton. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about every medicine, vitamin, herbal remedy, or traditional medicine you take. Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up or sitting down too quickly.
- Pregnancy: This is very important. You should not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant. It can cause serious harm to your unborn baby.
- Changes in your fingers: If you notice any unexplained sores, numbness, pain, changes in skin color, or increased sensitivity to cold/heat in your fingers or toes while using this medicine , tell your doctor immediately .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the ETU. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Difficulty breathing; tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms; feeling unusually tired. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Vision changes; confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; sudden severe headache; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fast or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Taste changes, upset stomach, dizziness, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fatigue. |
How should I store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate or freeze . Protect from light.
Discard any remaining medicine 8 hours after opening the spray container. Also, do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Dihydroergotamine nasal spray is used to control the pain of a migraine after it has occurred . It is not used to prevent migraines.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all illnesses you have and all medications you take.
- Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. It can be very harmful to the unborn baby.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or numbness in your limbs, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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