Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Midodrine belongs to the class of medications called alpha-adrenergic agonists. It works by causing blood vessels to narrow, leading to an increase in blood pressure. This medication is used to treat patients with low blood pressure.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food. 
• To reduce the chance of high blood pressure when lying flat on your back (blurred vision, headaches, pounding in the ears):
  • Avoid taking the last daily dose after the evening meal or less than 4 hours before bedtime.
  • Avoid lying down after taking Midodrine. If you have to lay down, avoid taking a dose of Midodrine.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have poorly controlled high blood pressure, or high blood pressure when lying down
• You have hyperthyroidism (a condition where the body produces too much thyroid hormones)
• You have heart, kidney, liver or eye problems
• You have difficulty urinating
• You have diabetes or pheochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland)
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Some possible side effects may include one or more of the following:

• Chills, goosebumps
• Scalp itching
• Changes in urination habits (Difficulty urinating, urgent need to urinate, frequent urination)
• Numbness and tingling sensation felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Stomach pain

Inform your doctor if these side effects do not go away or are bothersome to you.

Midodrine may cause your blood pressure to become too high. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while on midodrine. Seek medical attention if you think your blood pressure is too high or you experience the following:

• Chest pain, or slowed heartbeat (symptoms may include tiredness, fainting)
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision
• Pounding sensation in the chest or ears
• Severe headache

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Some medications may interact with midodrine and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. However, these medications may also be important for treatment of your health conditions. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Specific medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease (e.g. selegiline, rasagiline) or Depression (e.g. moclobemide)
• Medications that can increase blood pressure, such as decongestants for blocked nose
• Medications used for treatment of migraine (e.g. Ergotamine)

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on March 2025