Dihydroergotamine (/daɪˌhaɪdroÊŠ.ÉœrˈɡÉ'tÉ™m
It has similar actions to the triptans, acting as an agonist to the serotonin 5-HT(1D) receptors and causing vasoconstriction of the intracranial blood vessels, but also interacts centrally with dopamine and adrenergic receptors. It can be used to treat acute intractable headache or withdrawal from analgesics.
Description
Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is a semi-synthetic form of ergotamine approved in the US in 1946. Oral bioavailability is poor and it is not available in oral form in the US. DHE is available as Migranal nasal spray and in ampules for subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous injection. Efficacy is variable in the nasal spray form with bioavailability 32% of injectable administration. Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections are generally more effective than the nasal spray and can be self-administered by patients. Intravenous injection is considered very effective for severe migraine or status migrainosus. DHE is also used in the treatment of medication overuse headache.
Nausea is a common side effect of IV administration and less common in other modes. Antiemetics can be given prior to DHE to counteract the nausea. Risks and contraindications are similar to the triptans. DHE and triptans should not be taken within 24 hours of each other due to the potential for coronary artery vasospasm. DHE produces no dependence.
MAP Pharmaceuticals submitted an inhaled version of DHE (Levadex) for FDA approval in May 2011. Allergan acquired the rights to Levadex for nearly $1 billion but approval is still pending from the FDA for its release.
Recently, DHE has been reported to exhibit efficacy in minimising symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in conditions such as the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. DHE via its selective venous constrictor action may improve stroke volume through enhanced venous return in these patients.
- European Union
In 2013 the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended, that medicines containing ergot derivatives should no longer be used to treat several conditions involving blood circulation problems or problems with memory and sensation, or to prevent migraine headaches, because, the risks (increased risk of fibrosis and ergotism) are greater than the benefits in these indications.
References
External links
- DHE prescribing information
- Migranal prescribing information