Dihydroergotamine mesylate is an ergot alkaloid used to treat migraines.Target: 5-HT ReceptorsDihydroergotamine is not as effective as sumatriptan or phenothiazines as a single agent for treatment of acute migraine headache; however, when administered with an antiemetic, dihydroergotamine appears to be as effective as opiates, ketorolac, or valproate. Given its nonnarcotic properties, parenteral dihydroergotamine combined with an antiemetic should be considered as effective initial therapy in clinical practice [1]. The introduction of the intranasal formulation of DHE provides both pharmacologic and patient-convenience advantages for use in migraine therapy [2, 3].
References:
[1]. Colman, I., et al., Parenteral dihydroergotamine for acute migraine headache: a systematic review of the literature. Ann Emerg Med, 2005. 45(4): p. 393-401.
[2]. Saper, J.R., et al., DHE in the pharmacotherapy of migraine: potential for a larger role. Headache, 2006. 46 Suppl 4: p. S212-20.
[3]. Schaerlinger, B., et al., Agonist actions of dihydroergotamine at 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors and their possible relevance to antimigraine efficacy. Br J Pharmacol, 2003. 140(2): p. 277-84.