Midodrine: A Detailed Medication Profile
Summary or Key Points
Midodrine is a vital medication prescribed to manage orthostatic hypotension, a condition that causes dizziness or lightheadedness when standing. It helps maintain blood pressure and reduces symptoms allowing patients to carry out daily activities more effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication schedule. If you need immediate assistance, our telemedicine providers are readily available to guide you.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: ProAmatine® (Midodrine)
A ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of the active ingredient in the medication. It’s a standardized name that is recognized globally, regardless of the brand under which the drug is sold. Here, Midodrine is the generic name, as indicated in the parentheses.
Pharmacologic Category
Midodrine belongs to the category of drugs known as ‘Alpha-1 Adrenergic Agonists.’ Other medications in this category include Phenylephrine and Norfenefrine.
Dosing
The dose of Midodrine varies based on the disease being treated. The condition it is indicated to treat in adults is:
Orthostatic Hypotension:
The standard adult dose is 10 mg, taken three times daily. Each dose should be spaced approximately 3 to 4 hours apart and should be taken during the waking hours when the patient is most active to counteract the drop in blood pressure that occurs upon standing. Remember to consult your doctor before adjusting your dose. Our telemedicine providers are available for immediate consultations.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Midodrine is available in tablet form in two strengths: 2.5 mg and 5 mg.
Administration Instructions
Midodrine should be taken orally with or without food. It’s crucial to take this medication during waking hours or when you need to be upright. Avoid taking it before bedtime to prevent supine hypertension. If you have any doubts or questions about administration, contact your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects
Like all medications, Midodrine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include:
Goosebumps
Chills or cold feeling
Stomach pain or discomfort
Urinary urgency
Less common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, include:
Itching, particularly of the scalp
Rashes
Feeling of pressure/fullness in the head
High blood pressure while lying down
Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our readily available telemedicine providers if you experience any side effects.
Contraindications
A ‘contraindication’ is a situation in which a particular medication or treatment is not recommended because it may cause harm or be ineffective. Contraindications for Midodrine include:
Severe heart disease: Midodrine can increase blood pressure, which could worsen existing heart conditions.
Severe kidney disease: This medication is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, and if kidney function is impaired, it could lead to harmful levels of the drug in the body.
Pheochromocytoma: This is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that can cause the release of high levels of hormones that control heart rate and blood pressure. Midodrine could potentially exacerbate these effects.
It’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider before starting Midodrine. Our telemedicine providers are available for an immediate consultation.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Several medications may interact with Midodrine, including:
Flomax (Tamsulosin): This drug, used to treat prostate conditions, could enhance the blood pressure increasing effect of Midodrine.
Prozac (Fluoxetine): This antidepressant can sometimes lead to an elevated blood pressure, which could be further exacerbated by Midodrine.
Midodrine in Pregnancy
The safety of Midodrine during pregnancy has not been fully established. Therefore, it should only be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the unborn baby. It is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Midodrine while Breastfeeding
It’s unclear whether Midodrine passes into breast milk. As a precaution, it’s advised to avoid taking Midodrine while breastfeeding unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. As always, our telemedicine providers are readily available to discuss any concerns.
Estimated Cost of Medication
The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Midodrine (10 mg three times daily) using a GoodRx coupon, without insurance, is approximately $30 to $60. However, prices can vary based on location and pharmacy.
Possible Alternatives
For Orthostatic Hypotension, alternative treatments or lifestyle changes could include:
Increasing salt and fluid intake
Compression stockings
Physical maneuvers
Other medications like Fludrocortisone (Florinef) or Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine providers are here for a quick consultation.
Recent Updates on Midodrine Research
Recent research is continually investigating the long-term efficacy and safety of Midodrine. One study demonstrated that Midodrine is effective in the long-term management of orthostatic hypotension, with few patients experiencing severe side effects. However, the authors also suggested more extensive studies for a more definitive understanding of its long-term safety. As research progresses, our understanding of Midodrine’s safety, efficacy, and potential new applications will continue to evolve.
Brief Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.