You should not use midodrine if you have severe heart disease, overactive thyroid, an adrenal gland tumor, kidney disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if your blood pressure is high even while lying down.
Midodrine can increase blood pressure even when you are at rest. This medicine should be used only if you have severely low blood pressure that affects your daily life. Midodrine may not improve your ability to perform daily activities.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use midodrine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe heart disease;
kidney disease, or if you are unable to urinate;
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
overactive thyroid; or
high blood pressure even while lying down.
To make sure midodrine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
diabetes;
glaucoma or a history of vision problems;
liver disease; or
a history of kidney disease.
It is not known whether  midodrine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether midodrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take midodrine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Midodrine is usually taken 3 times per day, with doses spaced at least 3 hours apart. Take your last dose of the day within 3 or 4 hours before bedtime.
You may take midodrine with or without food.
Take this medicine during your normal waking hours, when your are most likely to be upright and not lying down or napping. Ask your doctor about how to take this medicine if you normally lie down during the day.
Midodrine can increase your blood pressure even while you are lying down or sleeping (when blood pressure is usually lowest). Long-term high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious medical problems.
Follow your doctor's instructions about the best way to position your body while you are laying down or sleeping. You may need to keep your head elevated to help prevent high blood pressure.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked before and during treatment with midodrine. Check your blood pressure while you are lying down, and check it again with your head elevated.
Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked.
Midodrine is only part of a treatment program that may also include lifestyle changes, wearing support stockings on your legs, and possibly special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
You may need to skip a dose if you will be resting or lying down for a long period of time during your normal waking hours. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your dose schedule if needed.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Symptoms of a midodrine overdose may include increased blood pressure (flushing, headache, pounding heartbeat, blurred vision), goosebumps, feeling cold, or trouble urinating.
