What is Droxidopa?
Droxidopa increases blood pressure by narrowing the blood vessels. Droxidopa can be used to treat low blood pressure, which causes dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling that you may pass out. Droxidopa can be used by people who have conditions that affect the nervous system and cause low blood pressure (such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, autonomic dysfunction, etc.). Droxidopa can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Droxidopa
If you experience any of the following: hives, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, or throat, or hives, stop taking droxidopa immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Droxidopa may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
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Severe dizziness, or a feeling of being light-headed;
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Confusion, fever;
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Pain or burning after urinating;
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High blood pressure is dangerous.
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Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high fever, excessive sweating, confusion, rapid or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and the feeling that you may pass out.
Droxidopa can cause a variety of side effects.
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Headache, dizziness;
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Nausea;
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Increased blood pressure
There may be other side effects.Need guidance with side effects? Call your physician.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Even when you're lying down, doxidopa may increase your blood pressure. To prevent high blood tension, you may need to elevate your head while sleeping. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to position yourself while lying down or asleep. You will need to check your blood pressure before and after treatment with Droxidopa or when you change the dose. You should check your blood pressure while lying down and again when you elevate your head.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to droxidopa, it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that droxidopa will not harm you:
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Heart disease
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History of a stroke or heart attack
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High blood pressure
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Kidney disease
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asthma or an allergic history to aspirin, especially the aspirin trisomy syndrome.
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If you have an allergy to yellow food dye,
Droxidopa is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. We do not know if droxidopa can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. Droxidopa should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Droxidopa?
Please follow all instructions listed on your prescription label carefully, as your physician may occasionally make necessary changes in dosage for maximum effect. Take this medication strictly as directed - do not exceed its maximum recommended dose and prolong its use beyond what has been advised by a health provider. As follows: Take one dose in the morning when you first wake up; another at midday; and the final one three to four hours prior to bedtime. Timing doses correctly to maintain healthy blood pressure when taking Droxidopa is essential in order to achieving positive results. Make sure to follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider and always take your medicine at the same time, whether with or without food - without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening its capsule cap; just swallow whole.
Droxidopa may increase your blood pressure even when you're lying down or asleep (when the blood pressure is typically lowest). Hypertension (high blood pressure) over a long period of time can cause heart attacks or strokes, both of which are potentially fatal. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to position yourself while you sleep or lie down. It may be necessary to elevate your head to prevent high blood pressure. You will need to check your blood pressure before and after treatment with Droxidopa or when you change the dose. You should check your blood pressure while lying down and again when you elevate your head. If you have been using droxidopa for longer than two weeks, your doctor will want to monitor your progress. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hypotension:
Initial dose: 100mg orally three times a day, in the morning, midday, and late afternoon, at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Titration: Increase dosage by 100 mg every 3–4 hours, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Maximum dose: Orally, 600 mg 3 times per day (i.e., a total dose of 1800mg).
The effectiveness of treatment beyond two weeks has not been proven.
Comments:
Monitor the blood pressure of patients in a supine position before and after starting droxidopa.
Droxidopa should be taken consistently, with or without food.
Capsules must be swallowed in their entirety without chewing or crushing.
Uses: To treat orthostatic dizziness or lightheadedness in patients with primary autonomic dysfunction (Parkinson’s disease, multiple-system atrophy, and pure autonomic failing), dopamine deficiency of beta-hydroxylase, and nondiabetic neuropathy.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take your missed dose.If your next dose is only 3 hours or less away, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose. Take the medication at least 3 hours before going to bed.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Take the medication at least 3 hours before going to bed.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
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Linezolid.
This list is incomplete. Droxidopa may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
