Midodrine (MYE-doe-dreen)

Treats a kind of low blood pressure that can cause severe dizziness or fainting.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Your doctor may tell you to take this medicine in the morning, at noon, and in the late afternoon. Wait at least 4 hours between each dose of this medicine.
• Lying down after taking this medicine may cause your blood pressure to get too high. Do not take the last dose of the day after 6 pm or after the evening meal, and be sure you wait at least 4 hours after the last dose before going to bed.
• Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless you are due to take your next dose within 3 hours. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how midodrine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Cimetidine, digoxin, dihydroergotamine, droxidopa, flecainide, fludrocortisone acetate, metformin, procainamide, quinidine, ranitidine, or triamterene
  • Blood pressure medicine (including doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin)
  • Cold and allergy medicine (including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine)
  • Diet pill
  • MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
  • Thyroid supplement

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or trouble urinating.
• This medicine will raise your blood pressure. Your blood pressure may get too high, especially when you lie down. Your doctor may want you to sleep with the head of your bed raised to help prevent this.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. You will need to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Changes in vision
• Chest pain
• Difficult or painful urination, burning while urinating
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• Goosebumps

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088