Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan
Severity: Contraindicated
Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Sumatriptan: contraindicated 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
Both drugs constrict blood vessels, and the systemic absorption of intranasal dihydroergotamine is sufficient for additive prolonged vasospasm with risk of coronary or peripheral ischemia. Labeling prohibits use of triptans and ergot derivatives within 24 hours of each other.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Sumatriptan are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Additive vasoconstriction via 5-HT1B/1D agonism by sumatriptan and serotonergic and adrenergic vasoconstriction by dihydroergotamine.
What to do
Do not use within 24 hours of each other. Choose one agent for each migraine episode and observe the timing interval.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Frovatriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine intranasal with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Sumatriptan are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Both drugs constrict blood vessels, and the systemic absorption of intranasal dihydroergotamine is sufficient for additive prolonged vasospasm with risk of coronary or peripheral ischemia. Labeling prohibits use of triptans and ergot derivatives within 24 hours of each other.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use within 24 hours of each other. Choose one agent for each migraine episode and observe the timing interval.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine, Eletriptan. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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