Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

MIDODRINE - ORAL

(MY-doh-dreen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ProAmatine

WARNING: Midodrine should only be used in carefully selected patients. This medication causes a significant increase in blood pressure when lying down on your back. Your blood pressure will be monitored carefully during treatment.

Uses

This medication is used for certain patients having symptoms of low blood pressure when in a standing position. It is used in people whose living activities are severely affected, even after other treatments are used (e.g., support stockings).

How To Use

This medication is taken three times daily, or as directed. Follow instructions carefully. The drug is taken during daytime hours, when persons are upright most often. The medicine should not be taken after the evening meal or less than 4 hours before bedtime. It is recommended not to take your dose if you plan to be lying down for a long time afterward. This drug should be continued only in those persons whose symptoms improve during treatment.

Side Effects

Tingling or itching skin; chills, or urinary problems may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: heart pounding, slow heartbeat, unusual chest sensation, fainting, pounding sensation in the ears, headache, blurred vision. Very unlikely but report promptly: vision problems, rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease (severe hyperthyroidism), severe urination problems, diabetes, pheochromocytoma, high blood pressure. To reduce any dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, which will aggravate this effect. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: digoxin, adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine), dihydroergotamine, alpha blockers (e.g., prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin), drugs to control high blood pressure such as "calcium blockers" (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), psychiatric medications (especially certain antidepressants and anti-psychosis drugs). Certain nonprescription cough-and-cold medicines and diet aids can raise your blood pressure. Consult with your pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include "goose bumps," difficulty urinating, and feeling cold.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Blood pressure checks (lying, sitting, and standing) are routinely performed. High blood pressure while lying down may be controlled in some persons by sleeping with the head of the bed elevated.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.