Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine usually comes with patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off with water and call your doctor right away.

Do not use this medicine for a regular headache that is different from your usual migraine. Talk to your doctor about what to do for regular headaches.

To use the spray:

  • The first time you use the spray bottle you will need to prime the pump. To do this, pump the spray 4 times before use.
  • Do not tilt head back or sniff through your nose while spraying or after.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicine to treat migraines, including sumatriptan. You should not use sumatriptan or other ergot medicines within 24 hours of using dihydroergotamine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For nasal dosage form (spray):
    • For migraine headaches:
      • Adults—One spray in each nostril followed by another spray in each nostril after 15 minutes. Each spray contains 0.5 milligrams (mg) of dihydroergotamine.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw the medicine bottle away 8 hours after opening.

Portions of this document last updated: July 01, 2024

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