Type of Drug:
Drugs used to elevate blood pressure.
How the Midodrine Product Works:
Midodrine causes blood vessels to constrict (become smaller), resulting in an increase in blood pressure
Uses of The Midodrine:
To treat symptoms of orthostatic hypotension (feeling dizzy or lightheaded when rising from a sitting or standing position, or feelings of dizziness while standing). Use only in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care, such as support stockings, fluid expansion and lifestyle changes.
Unlabeled Uses: To manage urinary incontinence
Precautions:
Supine hypertension is the most potentially serious side effect of midodrine. Supine (lying) and sitting blood pressures should be monitored. Supine hypertension can often be controlled by not lying totally flat (eg, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated).
Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if midodrine appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Safety and effectiveness are not established.
Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Lab tests may include blood pressure tests kidney and liver function tests.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overÂthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes may interact with this medicine.
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers (eg, doxazoxin)
- Cardiac glycosides (eg, digoxin)
- Phenylephrine phenylpropanolamine (eg, Contac)
- Metformin (Glucophage)
- Ranitidine (eg, Zantac)
Side Effects:
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency or severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Nervous System: Numbness or tingling in scalp, hands or feet; pain; headache; feeling of pressure/fullness in the head; facial flushing; confusion; abnormal thinking; nervousness; anxiety.
Skin: Goosebumps; itching; rash.
Other: Painful or difficult urination; high blood pressure while lying or sitting; chills; dry mouth.
Guidelines for Use:
- Use exactly as prescribed.
- Usual dose is 10 mg, taken three times daily. Take during the daytime hours when you are upright and pursuing daily activities. A suggested dosing schedule of approximately 4 hour intervals is: Shortly before or upon arising in the morning, midday and late afternoon (not later than 6 pm). Doses may be taken in 3 hour intervals if required to control symptoms, but not more frequently. Do not take after the evening meal or less than 4 hours before bedtime.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to “catch up” (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- Supine (lying down) hypertension can often be controlled by not lying totally flat (eg, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated).
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any over-the-counter medications you are taking (eg, cold remedies, diet aids); they can increase the side effects of this medicine.
- Contact your doctor if you experience pounding in the ears, headache, blurred vision, slow pulse, increased dizziness, fainting, cardiac awareness, goosebumps, sensation of coldness or urinary retention.
- Continue taking this medicine, even if your symptoms of low blood pressure are controlled.
- Monitor blood pressure in both the lying and sitting positions.
- Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
- Store at room temperature (59 to 77°F), out of the reach of children.