Midodrine (Systemic)

Brand name(s): ProAmatine

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For midodrine, the following should be considered:

Allergies-Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to midodrine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy-Midodrine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that large doses of midodrine can cause reduced body weight in rat fetuses and decreased survival in rabbit fetuses. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding-It is not known if midodrine passes into breast milk. However, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children-This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children 6 months to 12 years of age. In effective doses, the medicine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults-This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it dose in younger adults.

Other medicines-Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking midodrine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

• Digitalis glycosides (e.g., Lanoxin)-Effects on the heart may be increased

• Steroids that cause sodium retention, such as fludrocortisone (e.g., Florinef) or
• Vasoconstricting medication, such as dihydroergotamine (e.g., Migranal), and ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine (ingredients in many cough/cold combination products)-Effects on blood pressure may be increased

Other medical problems-The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of midodrine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Heart disease, severe or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
• Overactive thyroid or
• Visual problems-Effects of midodrine on blood pressure may aggravate these problems

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease-Effects of midodrine may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body

• Urinary retention-Effects of midodrine on the bladder may aggravate this condition

Last Revised: 01/30/2001