Midodrine used for?

Midodrine is used to treat symptoms of orthostatic (postural) hypotension — low blood pressure that happens when you stand up, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Key points:
- Mechanism: oral alpha-1 adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction, raising standing blood pressure.
- Commonly used for: symptomatic orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic dysfunction (e.g., Parkinson’s with autonomic failure, pure autonomic failure, diabetic autonomic neuropathy).
- How it’s taken: usually 2.5 mg three times daily, with gradual dose increases as needed to a typical max of 10 mg per dose (around 30 mg/day). Take during the day and avoid the last dose within about 4 hours of bedtime to reduce risk of supine hypertension.
- Side effects/risks: can cause high blood pressure when lying down (supine hypertension), goosebumps/piloerection, headaches, tingling, nausea. Monitor blood pressure regularly.
- Important cautions: not suitable for everyone; contraindicated in certain conditions (e.g., pheochromocytoma, severe organic heart disease) and should be used under a clinician’s supervision with monitoring for blood pressure changes.

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