Midodrine
Midodrine (MI doe dreen) is a generic medication prescribed for treating a certain type of low blood pressure. Midodrine belongs to a group of drugs called vasopressors.
Midodrine (MI doe dreen) is a generic medication prescribed for treating a certain type of low blood pressure. Midodrine belongs to a group of drugs called vasopressors.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 5mg
- • 90 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on July 27, 2023
Midodrine (MI doe dreen) is a generic medication prescribed for treating a certain type of low blood pressure. Midodrine belongs to a group of drugs called vasopressors.
Boxed warning: Risk of high blood pressure when lying down
Midodrine has a boxed warning about the risk of high blood pressure when lying down. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for midodrine” section.
Side effects
Side effects of midodrine
Midodrine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of midodrine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about midodrine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for midodrine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with midodrine are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about midodrine’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for midodrine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Midodrine oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- itchiness, burning, numbness, or prickling sensation, most commonly on the scalp
- goosebumps
- urinary problems, including discomfort during urination
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for midodrine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of midodrine are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about midodrine’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for midodrine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, midodrine’s serious side effects include:
- high blood pressure
- slow heart rate
- urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder)
- boxed warning: risk of high blood pressure when lying down*
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for midodrine” section.
FAQs
Common questions about midodrine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about midodrine.
What is midodrine’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?
Midodrine works by tightening your blood vessels. This leads to an increase in blood pressure. For most people, the drug raises blood pressure within 1 hour after taking a dose.
Midodrine is prescribed to treat orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when you quickly change positions). For details about the approved use of midodrine, see the “Uses of midodrine” section.
If you’d like to know more about how midodrine works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there brand names available for midodrine?
Yes. Generic midodrine is available as the brand-name product Orvaten.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs usually cost less compared with brand-name drugs.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about Orvaten or are interested in taking it instead.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for midodrine
Below, you’ll find information about midodrine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of midodrine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take midodrine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for midodrine” section below.
Warnings for midodrine
Some people should not take midodrine, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Risk of high blood pressure when lying down
Midodrine has a boxed warning about the risk of high blood pressure when lying down. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
High blood pressure when lying down was commonly reported in studies of midodrine.
Symptoms may include:
- a racing or pounding heartbeat
- pounding in your ears
- headache
- blurry vision
If you experience symptoms of high blood pressure when lying down, immediately tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with midodrine.
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely recommend monitoring your blood pressure during treatment with midodrine. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other warnings
Midodrine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether midodrine is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for midodrine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Midodrine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to midodrine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe midodrine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to midodrine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of midodrine
If you take midodrine by mouth, you should not take more midodrine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much midodrine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and midodrine
Information about midodrine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Midodrine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether midodrine should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Midodrine and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether midodrine should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Uses
Uses of midodrine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as midodrine for certain conditions. Approved uses for midodrine are described below.
Use for low blood pressure
Doctors may prescribe midodrine oral tablet for treating orthostatic hypotension (OH). It’s prescribed for this purpose in adults and is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
OH is a type of low blood pressure. With OH, you have a sudden drop in blood pressure when you quickly change positions. This includes when you stand or sit up.
Symptoms of OH tension include dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when you stand or sit up. You may also feel weak and have blurry vision.
Note: OH is different to general low blood pressure. Midodrine is not approved to treat generally low blood pressure. If you have questions about treatments for low blood pressure, talk with your doctor.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about midodrine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is there a best time of day to take my midodrine dose?
- Do any medications I take interact with midodrine?
- Does my health history raise my risk of side effects if I take midodrine?
- If I have a kidney condition, should I be prescribed a lower midodrine dose?
- How does midodrine compare with other treatments for orthostatic hypotension?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Midodrine hydrochloride tablets, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/60d5a132-9cfc-48e2-aa71-1949aeb255c3/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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