Migranal
(dihydroergotamine)
Treats migraine headaches.
Our bottom line
Migranal (dihydroergotamine) is not as good as other medicines to treat migraines because of side effects, but it can be an alternative if these haven't worked.
- Price before coupon$3274.68
- Lowest price with coupon$1562.4752% savings
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (dihydroergotamine)
Upsides
- If your migraines usually last more than 2 days, or if you have more frequent migraines,Migranal (dihydroergotamine) can work better than other medicines.
- Migranal (dihydroergotamine) is available as a nasal spray or an injection, which is good if you're not able to swallow pills when you have migraines.
What to expect from dihydroergotamine, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Migranal (dihydroergotamine) can't prevent migraines from happening; it can only treat them.
- Taking too much of Migranal (dihydroergotamine) over a period of time can be poisonous. Talk to your doctor if your headaches aren't getting better.
- Migranal (dihydroergotamine) can only be used for migraines and cluster headaches. It won't work for tension headaches.
- Not recommended for children.
What to expect from dihydroergotamine, on one page
Download Fact SheetMigranal (dihydroergotamine) is a medicine to treat migraines. Migraines are caused by opening of blood vessels in the brain. Migranal (dihydroergotamine) relieves the headache by tightening the blood vessels.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (dihydroergotamine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Nasal spray
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$2059.10
- CostcoGet free coupon$2473.82
What to expect when you take Migranal (dihydroergotamine) for Migraine headache
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nose and throat irritation
- Heart and lung problems
- Blood vessel issues
Side effect rates for Migranal (dihydroergotamine)
- Stuffy nose26%26%7%7%
- Nausea10%10%4%4%
- Changes in taste8%8%1%1%
- Nasal irritation6%6%2%2%
- Vomiting4%4%1%1%
- Dizziness4%4%2%2%
- Sore throat3%3%1%1%
- Sleepiness3%3%2%2%
- Diarrhea2%2%1%1%
- Tingling or prickling sensation2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of dihydroergotamine.
People taking dihydroergotamine felt side effect more
People taking dihydroergotamine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Migranal (dihydroergotamine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Macrolide antibiotics
- › Protease inhibitors
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away if you're taking Migranal (dihydroergotamine) and you have to take macrolide antibiotics or medicines for HIV called protease inhibitors. Migranal (dihydroergotamine) can last a lot longer in the body if you take those medicines. You're at higher risk for stroke and less blood supply to your arms or legs if you take those medicines and Migranal (dihydroergotamine).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Migranal (dihydroergotamine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people or animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. If you’re pregnant, the risks to your unborn baby outweigh the benefits.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.