Droxidopa
Generic name: droxidopa [ DROX-i-DOP-a ]
Brand name: Northera
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg; 200 mg; 300 mg)
Drug class:Vasopressors
What is droxidopa?
Droxidopa works by constricting (narrowing) the blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.
Droxidopa is used to treat low blood pressure that causes severe dizziness or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
droxidopa is for use in people with conditions of the nervous system that can cause low blood pressure (such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, autonomic failure, and others).
Droxidopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Droxidopa can increase your blood pressure even while you are lying down. You may need to keep your head elevated during sleep to help prevent high blood pressure. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to position your body while you are lying down or sleeping.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked before and during treatment with droxidopa, or whenever your dose is changed. Check your blood pressure while you are lying down, and check it again with your head elevated.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use droxidopa if you are allergic to it.
To make sure droxidopa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease;
history of heart attack or stroke;
high blood pressure;
kidney disease;
asthma, or a history of severe allergic reaction to aspirin, especially aspirin triad syndrome; or
if you are allergic to yellow food dye.
It is not known whether droxidopa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether droxidopa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Droxidopa is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take droxidopa?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Droxidopa is usually taken 3 times per day, as follows. First dose in the morning when you wake up; second dose at mid-day; third dose in the late afternoon or at least 3 hours before you go to bed. The timing of your doses is very important in helping to main...
