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DROXIDOPA (droks eye DOE pa) reduces the symptoms of low blood pressure caused by a changing position or standing. It works by narrowing your blood vessels, which helps increase your blood pressure. This reduces episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take this medication when you wake up in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. You can take this medication with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Certain MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
-Certain medications used to treat colds, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine
-Linezolid
-Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be when sitting and when standing and when to contact your care team.
When you rest and sleep, make sure that your upper body is elevated. Check your blood pressure regularly while in this position.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
-Increase in blood pressure
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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