DROXIDOPA - ORAL

DROXIDOPA - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (DROX-i-DOE-pa)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Northera

GENERIC NAME(S): droxidopa

Uses

USES: Droxidopa is used to treat symptoms of low blood pressure when standing, caused by a certain medical condition (neurogenic orthostatic hypotension-NOH). This medication can lessen symptoms of low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension), such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or the "feeling that you are about to black out." Droxidopa is used by people whose daily activities are severely affected by this condition, even after other treatments are used (such as support stockings, water bolus). It is thought to work by making the blood vessels become more narrow, which increases blood pressure.


How to use DROXIDOPA - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day (morning, midday, and late afternoon). Swallow the capsules whole. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose. This drug is taken during daytime hours, when people stand most often. It should not be taken after the evening meal or less than 3 hours before bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Since it is unknown if this medication will work longer than 2 weeks, it should be continued only if symptoms continue to get better during treatment. Do not take this medication for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor directs you to do so. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Headache, nausea, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication can increase your blood pressure, especially when you are lying down (supine hypertension). Monitor and share your blood pressure results with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of high blood pressure, such as pounding heartbeat, pounding sound in your ears, headache, or blurred vision. This medication may rarely cause very serious symptoms that are like a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). These symptoms may be more likely to happen when your dose of this drug or other medications (such as levodopa) is changed. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before taking droxidopa, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, previous heart attack), kidney disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. This medication increases your blood pressure. Raise the head of your bed to lessen the risk of high blood pressure that happens when lying down (supine hypertension). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

NORTHERA 100 MG CAPSULE

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light blue
shape
oblong
imprint
Northera, 100
NORTHERA 200 MG CAPSULE

color
light yellow
shape
oblong
imprint
200, Northera
NORTHERA 300 MG CAPSULE

color
light green
shape
oblong
imprint
Northera, 300

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Faq for DROXIDOPA - ORAL

Droxidopa is an oral medication that is used to treat symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH). NOH is a condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Droxidopa works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the body. Norepinephrine helps to regulate blood pressure and stabilizes it when standing up.

Common side effects of droxidopa may include headache, dizziness, nausea, high blood pressure, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. It is important to inform your doctor if these side effects become severe or persistent.

Droxidopa is typically taken orally, usually three times a day with or without food. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage.

It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting droxidopa. Some medicines may interact with droxidopa and cause adverse effects or reduce its effectiveness.

The safety of droxidopa during pregnancy has not been adequately studied. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Droxidopa is not specifically approved for use in children. It is crucial to consult with a pediatrician for appropriate treatment options for children with NOH.

The effects of droxidopa may vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience an improvement in symptoms within the first week of treatment, while others may take longer. It is important to have realistic expectations and be patient during the initial treatment period.

Abruptly stopping droxidopa may worsen your symptoms or lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure. It is essential to consult with your doctor before discontinuing the medication to gradually taper off the dosage if deemed necessary.


Warning

WARNING: This medication can increase your blood pressure when you are lying on your back (supine hypertension). Raising the head of the your bed lessens this risk. Your doctor will carefully monitor your blood pressure in this position before and during treatment, especially after a dosage increase. Your doctor may adjust or stop treatment with this medication if supine hypertension happens and cannot be managed by raising the head of your bed. If supine hypertension cannot be managed, it could lead to a stroke, heart attack, or even death. Talk with your doctor for details.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.