Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesAdministrationSide EffectsPrecautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Administration
Side Effects
Precautions
Midodrine is a medication used to treat a condition known asorthostatic hypotension. The word “orthostatic” refers to being in an upright position, and “hypotension” refers to unusually low blood pressure (BP). In other words, when you have orthostatic hypotension, your blood pressure drops as you move into an upright position.
Verywell / JR Bee
Your healthcare provider may provide you with a prescription for midodrine if you have significantlylow blood pressurethat impedes your ability to function on a daily basis. Your healthcare provider will need to consider the degree in which your condition impacts your life when choosing a medication for you.
Symptoms of midodrine that could interfere with your daily life include severe dizziness, light-headedness when you’re standing, and the sensation that you’re going to pass out—also known as syncope.
Often, midodrine is taken three times per day—typically in the morning, middle of the afternoon, and before dinner. Your healthcare provider may ask you to consistently space your medication doses out during the day and end at a certain time before you go to bed.
Like most prescriptions, you’ll need to take your medication in the manner that your healthcare provider ordered, and you’ll want to take it around the same time each day.
Since the goal of drug therapy is to decrease symptoms of low blood pressure when you are upright, you’ll want to avoid taking the medication at night.
If you need to lie down for a significant amount of time, you may receive specialized instructions as to how to position yourself in bed. One way may be to elevate your head whenever you take a nap or sleep at night.
If you miss a dose of the drug, take it as soon as possible, provided that it’s within the timeframe that the practitioner specified. However, if it’s close to the time you’re supposed to take your next dose, skip the dose that you missed and begin your normal medication schedule again. Try not to take a greater or lesser amount of the medication than your healthcare provider recommended.
With any medication, side effects may occur. They can vary in intensity from mild to more severe. Occasionally, some of the undesirable effects can subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or are difficult to tolerate, consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The side effects most likely to occur when taking this medication include:
Common Side EffectsItchy scalpNumbness and tingling sensationsChills, shivering, or feeling coldPresence of goosebumpsChanges in urinary habits like frequency, urgency, or retentionFeeling nervous or anxious
Common Side Effects
Itchy scalpNumbness and tingling sensationsChills, shivering, or feeling coldPresence of goosebumpsChanges in urinary habits like frequency, urgency, or retentionFeeling nervous or anxious
While there’s potential for the following side effects, they are less likely to occur. These include rashes on the skin, headaches, nausea or abdominal pain, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, and cramping of the leg muscles.
Some side effects associated with taking midodrine can be serious, and you should speak with your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of them. They are as follows:
Bear in mind that this is not a complete guide to the side effects, so you may experience symptoms that aren’t on this list. If you notice undesirable effects upon starting this medication, alert your healthcare provider.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to midodrine or the ingredients contained in it, you’ll want to avoid this medication and talk to your healthcare provider about other options. If you want a list of ingredients in the drug, you can get one from your pharmacist.
Additionally, notify your healthcare provider if you’re taking other medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, herbs, or supplements. Certain drugs may increase your blood pressure. Some of those medications include, but aren’t limited to digoxin, fludrocortisone, certain antidepressants, asthma medications, and thyroid medications.
You may not be able to take this medication if you’re taking other prescriptions that lower your blood pressure.
If you would like more information regarding midodrine and the use of other drugs, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
If the medication doesn’t feel like it’s helping you manage your condition, your condition worsens, or you experience undesirable side effects, quickly let your healthcare provider know what’s going on—she may need to re-evaluate and consider other treatment options.
SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anwar AS, Saeed Y, Zaki Y, et al. Midodrine is safe and effective in the treatment of reflex syncope.British Journal of Cardiology.June 2016; 23:73–7. doi:10.5837/bjc.2016.021Medline Plus.Midodrine.Merck Manual.Orthostatic Hypotension.Smith W, Wan H, Much D, Robinson AG, Martin P. Clinical benefit of midodrine hydrochloride in symptomatic orthostatic hypotension: a phase 4, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, tilt-table study.Clinical Autonomic Research.2016; 26: 269–277. doi:10.1007/s10286-016-0363-9
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anwar AS, Saeed Y, Zaki Y, et al. Midodrine is safe and effective in the treatment of reflex syncope.British Journal of Cardiology.June 2016; 23:73–7. doi:10.5837/bjc.2016.021Medline Plus.Midodrine.Merck Manual.Orthostatic Hypotension.Smith W, Wan H, Much D, Robinson AG, Martin P. Clinical benefit of midodrine hydrochloride in symptomatic orthostatic hypotension: a phase 4, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, tilt-table study.Clinical Autonomic Research.2016; 26: 269–277. doi:10.1007/s10286-016-0363-9
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Anwar AS, Saeed Y, Zaki Y, et al. Midodrine is safe and effective in the treatment of reflex syncope.British Journal of Cardiology.June 2016; 23:73–7. doi:10.5837/bjc.2016.021Medline Plus.Midodrine.Merck Manual.Orthostatic Hypotension.Smith W, Wan H, Much D, Robinson AG, Martin P. Clinical benefit of midodrine hydrochloride in symptomatic orthostatic hypotension: a phase 4, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, tilt-table study.Clinical Autonomic Research.2016; 26: 269–277. doi:10.1007/s10286-016-0363-9
Anwar AS, Saeed Y, Zaki Y, et al. Midodrine is safe and effective in the treatment of reflex syncope.British Journal of Cardiology.June 2016; 23:73–7. doi:10.5837/bjc.2016.021
Medline Plus.Midodrine.
Merck Manual.Orthostatic Hypotension.
Smith W, Wan H, Much D, Robinson AG, Martin P. Clinical benefit of midodrine hydrochloride in symptomatic orthostatic hypotension: a phase 4, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, tilt-table study.Clinical Autonomic Research.2016; 26: 269–277. doi:10.1007/s10286-016-0363-9
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