DHE

Medical abbreviation · Drug

DHE
Stands forDihydroergotamine
CategoriesMedical

DHE stands for Dihydroergotamine, a drug abbreviation.

Ergot-derived drug used to abort severe migraine and cluster headache, given IV, by injection or as a nasal spray (Migranal, Trudhesa). Repeated IV dosing in hospital is used for prolonged migraine (status migrainosus).

Example: DHE 1 mg IV q8h x 5 doses with metoclopramide premedication.

Usage notes

DHE carries a boxed warning against combining it with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin or ritonavir, which can cause ergotism with dangerous vasoconstriction. It should not be used within 24 hours of a triptan or in people with coronary disease or pregnancy.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.