Midodrine

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 15/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Midodrine

CHINESE NAME: 米多君

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Midorine 邁妥林, Gutron 高特隆

DRUG CLASS: Sympathomimetics

SUB CLASS: Alpha agonists

USED FOR: Postural hypotension

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 2.5mg (tablets)

What is Midodrine for?

Midodrine belongs to a class of medications called sympathomimetics acting on alpha receptors. Midodrine is used for treating postural hypotension.

How to use it?

Midodrine is taken through the oral route. It may be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Postural hypotension
Adult and elderly
The initial dose is 2.5 mg 3 times daily during daytime hours. The dose is titrated based on response and tolerability up to a usual maximum dose of 10 mg 3 times daily.

What are the side effects of Midodrine?

Common side effects of Midodrine include bradycardia, supine hypertension, goosebumps, itchiness, dysuria and paresthesia.

Who should not take Midodrine?

– People allergic to Midodrine or any component of the formulation.
– Patients with severe organic heart disease
– Patients with acute renal disease
– Patients with pheochromocytoma
– Patients with thyrotoxicosis
– Patients with supine hypertension or poorly controlled hypertension

Pharmacist Tips:

– Tablets should be taken when the patient is upright

Common dosing schedule:
Midodrine is taken three times daily during daytime hours at an upright position. It may be taken with food to minimise gastrointestinal irritation.

Avoid taking the tablets after the evening meal or within 4 hours of bedtime to prevent supine hypertension. An example of the regimen is that doses may be given in 3 to 4-hour intervals. It can be taken when you just wake up, then at 12 and finally at 4.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Midodrine may interact with:
– Alpha-1 antagonists, e.g. Doxazosin, Terazosin
– Bradycardia-causing agents, e.g. Digoxin, Diltiazem
– Ergot derivatives, e.g. Ergotamine, Ergometrine
– Linezolid
– Sympathomimetics, e.g. Amphetamines, Pseudoephedrine
– Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. Imipramine, Nortriptyline

Midodrine may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Midodrine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Midodrine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Midodrine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.