Midodrine

Midodrine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH). Because midodrine hydrochloride tablets can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure (BP > 200 mmHg systolic), it should be used in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care, including non-pharmacologic treatment (such as support stockings), fluid expansion, and lifestyle alterations. The indication is based on midodrine hydrochloride tablets' effect on increases in 1-minute standing systolic blood pressure, a surrogate marker considered likely to correspond to a clinical benefit. At present, however, clinical benefits of midodrine hydrochloride tablets, principally improved ability to perform life activities, have not been established.

Midodrine hydrochloride tablets form an active metabolite, desglymidodrine, that is an alpha 1 -agonist, and exerts its actions via activation of the alpha-adrenergic receptors of the arteriolar and venous vasculature, producing an increase in vascular tone and elevation of blood pressure. Desglymidodrine does not stimulate cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors. Desglymidodrine diffuses poorly across the blood-brain barrier, and is therefore not associated with effects on the central nervous system. Administration of midodrine hydrochloride tablets results in a rise in standing, sitting, and supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension of various etiologies. Standing systolic blood pressure is elevated by approximately 15 mmHg to 30 mmHg at 1 hour after a 10 mg dose of midodrine, with some effect persisting for 2 to 3 hours.

The recommended dose of midodrine hydrochloride tablets is 10 mg, 3 times daily. Dosing should take place during the daytime hours when the patient needs to be upright, pursuing the activities of daily living. A suggested dosing schedule of approximately 4-hour intervals is as follows: shortly before, or upon arising in the morning, midday and late afternoon (not later than 6 P.M.). Doses may be given in 3-hour intervals, if required, to control symptoms, but not more frequently. Single doses as high as 20 mg have been given to patients, but severe and persistent systolic supine hypertension occurs at a high rate (about 45%) at this dose. In order to reduce the potential for supine hypertension during sleep, midodrine hydrochloride tablets should not be given after the evening meal or less than 4 hours before bedtime.

Midodrine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe organic heart disease, acute renal disease, urinary retention, pheochromocytoma or thyrotoxicosis. Midodrine hydrochloride tablets should not be used in patients with persistent and excessive supine hypertension.

WARNING Because midodrine hydrochloride tablets can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure, it should be used in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care. Supine Hypertension The most potentially serious adverse reaction associated with midodrine hydrochloride tablets therapy is marked elevation of supine arterial blood pressure (supine hypertension). Systolic pressure of about 200 mmHg was seen overall in about 13.4% of patients given 10 mg of midodrine hydrochloride tablets. Systolic elevations of this degree were most likely to be observed in patients with relatively elevated pre-treatment systolic blood pressures (mean 170 mmHg). There is no experience in patients with initial supine systolic pressure above 180 mmHg, as those patients were excluded from the clinical trials.

The most frequent adverse reactions seen in controlled trials were supine and sitting hypertension, paresthesia and pruritus, mainly of the scalp, goosebumps, chills, urinary urge, urinary retention and urinary frequency. The frequency of these events in a 3-week placebo-controlled trial is shown in the following table: Adverse Events Placebo n = 88 Midodrine n = 82 Event # of reports % of patients # of reports % of patients Total # of reports 22 77 Paresthesia Includes hyperesthesia and scalp paresthesia 4 4.5 15

When administered concomitantly with midodrine hydrochloride tablets, cardiac glycosides may enhance or precipitate bradycardia, A.V. block or arrhythmia. The risk of hypertension increases with concomitant administration of drugs that increase blood pressure (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, dihydroergotamine, thyroid hormones, or droxidopa). Avoid concomitant use of drugs that increase blood pressure. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure closely. Avoid use of MAO inhibitors or linezolid with midodrine. Midodrine hydrochloride tablets have been used in patients concomitantly treated with salt-retaining steroid therapy (i.e., fludrocortisone acetate), with or without salt supplementation.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).