Drug Notes

Droxidopa (By mouth)

Droxidopa (drox-i-DOE-pa)

Treats lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

Brand Name(s):

Northera

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Your doctor may tell you to take this medicine after you wake up in the morning, at noon, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime.
• You may choose to take this medicine with food or without food, but it is important that you take it the same way each time.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how droxidopa works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Ephedrine, levodopa, midodrine
  • MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
  • Medicine to treat migraine headaches (including eletriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have kidney disease, asthma, congestive heart failure, heart or blood vessel problems, heart rhythm problems, or have an allergy to aspirin.
• Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may raise your blood pressure and increase your risk for supine hypertension (high blood pressure when you lie on your back). It is best to elevate the head of your bed, and to rest and sleep with your head elevated. You may also need to monitor your blood pressure at home before, during, and after treatment.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, severe headache, trouble breathing
• Confusion or fever
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017