DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Droxidopa oral capsules

July 17, 2018

Droxidopa oral capsules

What is this medicine?

DROXIDOPA (droks eye DOE pa) is used to reduce dizziness, lightheadedness, or the "feeling that you are about to black out" that happens due to a drop in blood pressure when changing positions or standing.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine when you wake up in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime. You can take this medicine with or without food. However, you should always take it the same way each time. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • high blood pressure

  • signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) such as confusion; fast or irregular heart beat; high fever; increased sweating; uncontrolled head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements; stiff muscles

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

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • certain medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan

  • certain medicines used to treat colds such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine

  • linezolid

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

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, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to droxidopa, tartrazine dye, aspirin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your treatments will be monitored closely. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be when sitting and when standing and when you should contact him or her.

When you rest and sleep, make sure that your upper body is elevated. Check your blood pressure regularly while in this position.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018