Midodrine
About
Midodrine belongs to a category of medications called ‘Antihypotensives’ primarily used to treat hypotension (low blood pressure). Hypotension is when blood pressure drops below the normal range, reducing cardiac output and hypovolemia (low blood volume). It can cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, and risk of injury from falls.
Midodrine contains the active ingredient midodrine hydrochloride, which acts on the blood vessels via the sympathetic nervous system to correct imbalances of blood distribution. This should help relieve the symptoms you might suffer, such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and weakness when sitting or standing up.
Take Midodrine as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Midodrine for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Some people may experience Supine hypertension, Reflex bradycardia, Arrhythmias, Rash, Nausea, Vomiting, Dyspepsia, Headache, and Urinary retention. Most of these side effects of Midodrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Midodrine or other medicines. If you are a pregnant woman or nursing mother, do not consume Midodrine without first consulting your doctor. It should not be used in children below 18 years. Midodrine is contraindicated in patients with severe organic heart disease, congestive heart failure, thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, acute renal disease, severe renal insufficiency, urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity to any component of the product. And also, Patients with a history of CVA should be monitored closely.
Uses of Midodrine
Medicinal Benefits
Midodrine contains the active ingredient midodrine hydrochloride, which acts on the blood vessels via the sympathetic nervous system to correct imbalances of blood distribution. This should help relieve the symptoms you might suffer, such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and weakness when sitting or standing up.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Midodrine
- Supine hypertension
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Reflex bradycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Urinary retention
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Midodrine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. If you get pregnant during treatment with Midodrine, you must stop the treatment immediately once the pregnancy is confirmed. It should not be used in children below 18 years. Midodrine is contraindicated in patients with severe organic heart disease, congestive heart failure, thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, acute renal disease, severe renal insufficiency, urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity to any component of the product. And also, Patients with a history of CVA should be monitored closely.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Midodrine may interact with drugs used to treat depression and anxiety (e.g. duloxetine), medicines used to help control the amount of sodium and fluids in your body (e.g. fludrocortisone), and medications used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. metoprolol).
Drug-food interactions: Consuming alcohol with Midodrine is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects.
Drug-disease interactions: Midodrine should be used with caution in patients with heart disease/ hypertensive effects, kidney or liver dysfunction and diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol along with Midodrine is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor, and there is no substantial research yet on the use of Midodrine in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionPatients who experience dizziness or lightheadedness while receiving Midodrine should refrain from operating machinery.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available on the use of Midodrine in patients with liver disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available on the use of Midodrine in patients with Kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them. Please consult your doctor.
Children
unsafeMidodrine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Add foods with high vitamin B12, including eggs, fortified cereals, and nutritional yeast, to your daily diet.
- Salty foods can increase blood pressure. Try eating canned soup, cottage cheese, olives, and pickled items.
- Drink coffee and caffeinated tea, which may increase blood pressure by stimulating the cardiovascular system.
- Eat small meals more frequently; large meals may drop in blood pressure as your body works harder to digest larger meals.
- Drink more water and limit alcohol; dehydration lowers blood pressure.
- Change body position by standing up slowly.
- Avoid prolonged bed rest.
- If you exercise outdoors in extreme heat, take frequent breaks.
- Avoid spending a long time in saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms which cause dehydration.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypotension: Low blood pressure is when blood pressure drops below the normal range. It can cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, and risk of injury from falls. Also, severely low blood pressure can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its functions, damaging your heart and brain. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure in arteries when the heart rests between heartbeats. Ideal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg. Hypotension exists when the systolic pressure is less than 90 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is less than 60 mmHg.
FAQs
Midodrine contains the active ingredient midodrine hydrochloride, which acts on the blood vessels via the sympathetic nervous system to correct imbalances of blood distribution. This should help relieve the symptoms you might suffer, such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and weakness when sitting or standing up.
Do not stop taking Midodrine on your own. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Midodrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor if you experience difficulty while taking Midodrine.
Do not take Midodrine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor will prescribe Midodrine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Midodrine is contraindicated in patients with severe organic heart disease, congestive heart failure, thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, acute renal disease, severe renal insufficiency, urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity to any component of the product. And also, Patients with a history of CVA should be monitored closely.
Midodrine is metabolised to desglymidodrine, an active metabolite that activates alpha-1-adrenergic receptors on arterioles and venules, causing smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure increase. Midodrine may cause a drop in heart rate due to the vagal reflex.
