ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses dihydroergotamine (DHE), a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade names DHE-45® and Migranol®, dihydroergotamine is prescribed for migraine headache and cluster and other vascular headaches. Dihydroergotamine decomposes upon exposure to air. Therefore, the injectable should be prepared immediately prior to use. The exact mechanism of its antimigraine action has not yet been fully determined. However, it appears to relieve migraine headache pain by means of serotonin (i.e., 5-HT1D) receptor-mediated vasoconstriction. Dihydroergotamine pharmacotherapy has been commonly associated with altered taste perception (bitter or unusual taste) and nose or throat irritation.
