Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Dihydroergotamine and Propranolol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Dihydroergotamine causes vasoconstriction, and nonselective beta-blockade can leave this unopposed, potentially worsening peripheral ischemia. The effect is less pronounced than with ergotamine but can matter in vascular disease. Propranolol is also used for migraine prophylaxis, so coadministration is common.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine and Propranolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Beta-2 blockade removes vasodilation, adding to ergot alpha-mediated vasoconstriction.
What to do
Monitor for cold extremities, numbness, or color change and stop dihydroergotamine if these occur. Avoid in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dihydroergotamine and Propranolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dihydroergotamine causes vasoconstriction, and nonselective beta-blockade can leave this unopposed, potentially worsening peripheral ischemia. The effect is less pronounced than with ergotamine but can matter in vascular disease. Propranolol is also used for migraine prophylaxis, so coadministration is common.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for cold extremities, numbness, or color change and stop dihydroergotamine if these occur. Avoid in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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