Migranal Generic Name Question
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist provides some clarity on the nasal spray Migranal.
What is the generic name of Migranal? Thanks!
Apr 26, 2024- Migranal is a brand name for dihydroergotamine mesylate, a nasal spray medication used to treat acute migraines and cluster headaches.
- This medication cannot be used with certain migraine drugs like Triptans and requires caution in people with heart problems due to serious drug interactions.
Answer
Hello and thank you for reaching out!
Regarding your question about Migranal, it seems you made a typo by spelling it 'Migrinol'. I'll assume you meant 'Migranal.' Please let me know if you are referring to a different drug.
Migranal is a brand name for dihydroergotamine mesylate 4mg/mL nasal spray. This medication falls under the category of ergotamine derivatives and is commonly used to treat acute migraines and cluster headaches.
According to research, intranasal dihydroergotamine mesylate has been shown to be highly effective in treating migraines. In fact, one study reported that more than 70% of individuals experiencing a headache found relief within 4 hours of administration.
However, it's important to note that dihydroergotamine mesylate nasal spray has certain limitations to it being more widely used. For instance, it cannot be used in combination with some common migraine medications (such as 'Triptans'), it must be used very cautiously in those with cardiovascular issues and it has serious interactions with various other drugs.
For more detailed information about this medication, you can see more on a different section of our website.
Migranal is available generically. Additionally, a different 'branded' version of nasal dihydroergotamine is available as Trudhesa. This product targets the upper nasal cavity with a delivery system that could enhance the systemic availability of dihydroergotamine, potentially making it more effective.
Final Words
I hope you find this information helpful!
References & sources
- Acute treatment of migraine with dihydroergotamine nasal spray. Dihydroergotamine Working Group — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dihydroergotamine mesylate
- An active medication that constricts blood vessels and is used to treat severe headaches and migraines.
- Ergotamine derivatives
- A class of medications derived from ergot fungus that work by narrowing blood vessels to relieve migraine symptoms.
- Intranasal
- Administered through the nose, allowing medication to be absorbed directly into the body through nasal tissues.
- Acute migraines
- Sudden, severe headaches that occur and require immediate treatment.
- Cluster headaches
- Intense headaches that occur in groups or cycles, typically affecting one side of the head.
- Triptans
- A class of migraine medications that narrow blood vessels and reduce substance P, a pain-signaling chemical in the brain.
- Systemic availability
- The amount of a medication that actually reaches the bloodstream to produce an effect throughout the body.
- Cardiovascular issues
- Health problems related to the heart and blood vessels.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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