Midodrine tablets

What is this medicine?

MIDODRINE (MI doe dreen) is used to treat low blood pressure in patients who have symptoms like dizziness when going from a sitting to a standing position.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The last dose of this medicine should not be taken after the evening meal or less than 4 hours before bedtime. When you lie down for any length of time after taking this medicine, high blood pressure can occur. Do not take this medicine if you will be lying down for any length of time. Do not take your medicine 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:

• awareness of heart beating

• blurred vision

• headache

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

• pounding in the ears

• skin rash, hives

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

• change in heart rate

• chills

• goose bumps

• increased need to urinate

• itching

• stomach pain

• tingling in the skin or scalp

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines called ergot alkaloids

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties or weight loss

• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• cimetidine

• digoxin

• flecainide

• fludrocortisone

• metformin

• procainamide

• quinidine

• ranitidine

• triamterene

• medicines called alpha-blockers like doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin

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 at room temperature 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 the following conditions:

• difficulty passing urine

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• over active thyroid

• pheochromocytoma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to midodrine, 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.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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