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Data updated: May 26, 2026

MIGRANAL (dihydroergotamine mesylate)

CNS Approved 1997-12-08

Dihydroergotamine mesylate injection is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine headaches, with or without aura, and the acute treatment of cluster headache episodes. It is intended for the termination of active headache symptoms and is not indicated for long-term prophylactic therapy. (Note: The brand name **Migranal** refers specifically to the nasal spray formulation, which is indicated only for migraine and not for cluster headaches).

Source: FDA Label • BAUSCH

How MIGRANAL Works

Dihydroergotamine binds with high affinity to 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. Its therapeutic activity in migraine is attributed to agonist effects at these receptors, which results in the constriction of inflamed intracranial blood vessels and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide release from trigeminal nerve endings. It also interacts with other 5-HT, adrenergic, and dopaminergic receptor subtypes.

1
Indication
--
Phase 3 Trials
28
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1997-12-08
Routes
NASAL
Dosage Forms
SPRAY, METERED

Companies

Active Ingredient: DIHYDROERGOTAMINE MESYLATE

MIGRANAL Approval History

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
15 FDA actions from 1997 to 2022
May 2022 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Aug 2019 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Aug 2014 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)

What MIGRANAL Treats

2 indications

MIGRANAL is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 1997. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Migraine
  • Cluster Headache
Source: FDA Label

MIGRANAL Boxed Warning

PERIPHERAL ISCHEMIA FOLLOWING COADMINISTRATION WITH POTENT CYP3A4 INHIBITORS Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the co-administration of dihydroergotamine with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors including protease inhibitors and macrolide antibiotics. Because CYP3A4 inhibition elevates the serum levels of dihydroergotamine, the risk for vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities is increased. Hence, concomitant use of these medicatio...

MIGRANAL Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to MIGRANAL

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FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

BREKIYA (AUTOINJECTOR)
DIHYDROERGOTAMINE MESYLATE
2 shared
AMNEAL
Shared indications:
MigraineCluster Headache
CAMBIA
DICLOFENAC POTASSIUM
2 shared
ASSERTIO SPECLTY
Shared indications:
MigraineCluster Headache
DIHYDROERGOTAMINE MESYLATE
DIHYDROERGOTAMINE MESYLATE
2 shared
AMNEAL
Shared indications:
MigraineCluster Headache
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

MIGRANAL FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

MIGRANAL is indicated for the treatment of Migraine; Cluster Headache.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: PERIPHERAL ISCHEMIA FOLLOWING COADMINISTRATION WITH POTENT CYP3A4 INHIBITORS Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the co-administration of dihydroergotamine with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors including protease inhibitors and macrolide antibiotics. Because...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.