Midodrine tablets

What are midodrine tablets?

MIDODRINE (ProAmatine®) is used to treat low blood pressure in someone who has symptoms such as dizziness when going from a sitting to a standing position. Generic midodrine tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take midodrine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes mellitus

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• over active thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• problems urinating

• an unusual or allergic reaction to midodrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take midodrine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at the intervals prescribed by your doctor or health care professional. The last dose of midodrine should not be taken after the evening meal or less than 3 to 4 hours before bedtime, because when you lie down for any length of time after taking this medicine, high blood pressure can occur. Do not take midodrine if you will be lying down for any length of time. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 3 hours), take only that dose. There must be at least 3 hours between your doses. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with midodrine?

• cimetidine

• entecavir

• linezolid

• metformin

• memantine

• ranitidine

• triamterene

• medicines for correcting heart rhythm problems

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for treating depression, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• medicines for migraine

• medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure

• medicines for weight loss

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking midodrine?

If you develop cold symptoms or decide to lose weight while taking midodrine, contact your prescriber or health care professional before taking any medications. Some of these medications can also increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from taking midodrine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• awareness of heart beating

• blurred vision

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

• pounding in the ears

• skin rash, hives

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• backache

• change in heart rate

• chills

• difficulty sleeping

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• dry skin

• facial flushing

• goosebumps

• headache

• heartburn

• increased need to urinate

• irritability

• itching

• leg cramps

• nausea

• restlessness

• stomach pain

• tingling in the skin or scalp

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 degrees C and 25 degrees C (59 degrees F and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.