Uses
Midodrine is used to treat orthostatic hypotension (sudden fall in blood pressure that occurs when a person assumes a standing position). Midodrine is in a class of medications called alpha-adrenergic agonists. It works by causing blood vessels to tighten, which increases blood pressure.
Side Effects Of Midodrine
Midodrine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- numbness and tingling
- scalp itching
- goosebumps
- chills
- frequent urination
- urgent need to urinate
- difficulty urinating
- rash
- stomach pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, stop taking midodrine and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- slow heartbeat
- dizziness
- fainting
Midodrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking midodrine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to midodrine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in midodrine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: alpha-blockers such as doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and terazosin; beta-blockers such as acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), betaxolol, bisoprolol (Zebeta, in Ziac), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), pindolol, propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL), sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine), and timolol; digoxin (Lanoxin); fludrocortisone; and medications for mental illness. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have difficulty urinating, pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys), hyperthyroidism (a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone), or heart or kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take midodrine.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, vision problems, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking midodrine, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking midodrine.
Dosage Of Midodrine
Midodrine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day during the daytime hours (such as morning, midday, and late afternoon [before 6 PM]) with doses spaced at least 3 hours apart. Take the last daily dose of midodrine before an evening meal and at least 4 hours before bedtime. Take midodrine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take midodrine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Take midodrine during daytime hours when you need to be upright. Avoid taking a dose when you will be lying down for any length of time. Also, talk to your doctor about how to position yourself when you are lying down. Your doctor may tell you to raise the head of your bed when resting or sleeping.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to midodrine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
