Midodrine is a medication used to treat low blood pressure (hypotension). According to Drugs.com, midodrine belongs to a class of drugs called vasopressors. It tightens your blood vessels and subsequently, raises your blood pressure. The National Library of Medicine indicates that you will typically take 10mg of midodine three times a day or as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, midodrine's common side effects include chills or goosebumps, dry mouth, nervousness and anxiety. It can also cause frequent urination, a skin rash and a sensation of pressure in your head. In a placebo-controlled study of 82 patients taking midodrine, the National Library of Medicine says that 18.3 percent developed numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias), 13.4 percent developed goosebumps (piloerection) and painful urination (dysuria) and 12.2 percent developed itching (pruritis). Additionally, 2.4 percent developed a rash and 4.9 percent developed chills and generalized pain. Phone your doctor when you experience midodrine's common side effects for more than one week. He can adjust its dosage.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that midodrine can cause supine (facing-up) hypertension, or high blood pressure. Symptoms of hypertension include chest pain, confusion, fatigue, nosebleeds (epistaxis) and changes in vision. High blood pressure can increase your chances of developing a stroke (cerebrovascular accident) or heart attack (myocardial infarction). Midodrine can also cause your heart to beat slower. This is medically known as bradycardia. Less blood reaches your organs when your heart beats slowly. Fainting occurs when your heart doesn't send enough blood to your brain. Tell your doctor when midodrine cause these serious physical manifestations.
Additional Concerns
Avoid midodrine if you are allergic to it or any other vasopressor medications. An allergic response to midodrine includes hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of your tongue, face or lips. Call 911. Tell your physician if you have liver or heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). You may not be able to take midodrine or your doctor must adjust its dose.
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