Description
Midodrine belongs to the class of medications known as vasopressors. It is used to relieve symptoms of low blood pressure (such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting) for people with Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Bradbury-Eggleston syndrome, and Shy-Drager syndrome. It works by constricting the blood vessels, causing an increase in blood pressure.
The usual recommended starting dose of midodrine for adults is 2.5 mg 3 times daily, taken with or without food. Midodrine may also be taken as frequently as 6 times a day, as long as the maximum daily dose of 30 mg is not exceeded. The last midodrine dose of the day should be taken at least 4 hours before bedtime. People with kidney disease may need lower doses.
Midodrine will be started under close medical supervision, usually in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office. Both lying and sitting blood pressures should be measured every hour for 3 hours after the first and second doses of midodrine therapy and also when there is an increase in dose. Thereafter, blood pressures should be measured daily for the first month, and then twice weekly while on therapy. Midodrine should only be continued if the person appears to have improvement in their symptoms during the initial treatment.
