Midodrine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Medication Midodrine?

What is midodrine for?

Midodrine is commonly used to treat low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension). This drug is classified as a cardiovascular drug called an alpha receptor agonist. This drug works to constrict blood vessels to increase blood pressure. Only use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor and when hypotension is affecting your daily routine.

How is midodrine used?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily with at least 4 hours between doses or as directed by your doctor. Follow all doctor's instructions carefully. This medication is taken during the day, when people are standing most often. This medicine should not be taken after dinner or less than 4 hours before bedtime. Taking a dose is not recommended if you plan to lie down for a long time afterward (for example, taking a nap).

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Usually, doctors will start at a low dose and gradually increase the dose to reduce side effects. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Use this remedy regularly for optimal benefits. To help you remember, drink it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition remains the same or gets worse. This medicine should be continued only in people whose symptoms improve during treatment.

How is midodrine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Midodrine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of midodrine for adults?

Typical adult dosage for hypotension
Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension:
10 mg orally three times a day. Don't drink more frequently every 3 hours, after dinner, or less than 4 hours before bedtime.

Single doses of up to 20 mg orally have been given to healthy adult patients. However, supine / seated hypertension has been reported in up to 45% of patients taking this dose, compared with 7.3% of patients receiving a dose of 10 mg orally.

Single doses greater than 30 mg have been given to healthy adult patients. However, the safety and efficacy of these doses have not been established.

What is the dose of midodrine for children?

There is no provision for the dose of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is midodrine available?

Midodrine is available in the following dosages and forms:
• Tablet, Oral: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg.

Midodrine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to midodrine?

In some cases, midodrine can cause an excessive increase in blood pressure, especially when lying down. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help if you experience unusual awareness of a heartbeat, pounding ears, headache, or blurred vision. These may be signs of an increase in blood pressure.

In some cases, an increase in blood pressure can cause the heart rate to slow down. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help if you experience decreased pulse rates, increased dizziness, fainting, or unusual awareness of a heartbeat. These may be a sign of a slowed heart rate.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking midodrine and seek emergency medical help or contact your doctor right away:

• allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closure of the throat; hives, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, rash, or fainting)
• irregular heartbeat, feeling of pounding in the chest, or chest pain

Mild side effects may occur more frequently. Continue to take midodrine and talk to your doctor if you experience this
• chills or goosebumps
• itching or tingling of the skin
• increased need to urinate or difficulty urinating
• feeling of pressure in the head
• dry mouth
• nervousness or anxiety

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Midodrine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using midodrine?

Before taking Midodrine, tell your doctor if you:

• allergies to midodrine
• have severe heart disease
• have kidney disease, or if you can't urinate
• have pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal glands)
• have hyperthyroidism
• have high blood pressure even when lying down

Is midodrine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is pregnancy risk category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:
• A = no risk
• B = no risk in some studies
• C = there may be some risks
• D = positive evidence of risk
• X = contraindicated
• N = unknown

Midodrine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with midodrine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Taking this medication together with other medicines can constrict your blood vessels, which can further increase your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you regularly use migraine medications, asthma medications, heart or blood pressure medications, or antidepressants.

Can food or alcohol interact with midodrine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or around meals at certain foods or foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with midodrine?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• heart disease
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• thyroid overactive thyroid
• visual problems - the effect of midodrine on blood pressure can exacerbate these problems
• Kidney illness
• liver disease - the effects of midodrine may increase because the excretion of the drug goes slower than the body
• urinary retention - the effect of midodrine on the bladder can exacerbate this condition

Midodrine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.