Droxidopa Oral capsule

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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• certain MAOIs: Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

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

• medicines used to treat colds such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine

• medicines for weight loss such as ephedrine, amphetamine, dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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:

• high blood pressure

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• 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 these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

• headache

• nausea

• tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.