Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Droxidopa - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Advertisement

Information about Droxidopa

Generic Name : Droxidopa
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Droxidopa are provided here.

Pronunciation : drox i DOE pa

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Droxidopa, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Droxidopa

India :


Northera

Overview of Droxidopa

Droxidopa is used for treating adults with orthostatic (posture related) dizziness due to various diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple system atrophy and autonomic failure

Why is Droxidopa Prescribed? (Indications)

Droxidopa capsules are used for the treatment of dizziness, lightheadedness, or for any feelings associated with dizziness in adults with certain nervous disorders like Parkinson’s, multiple system failure, complete autonomic failure, neuropathy which is not associated with diabetes and few enzyme deficiencies like dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency.

When should Droxidopa not be taken? (Contraindications)

Droxidopa should not be used in patients if there is an allergy to droxidopa

What is the dosage of Droxidopa?

Droxidopa is available in the form of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg capsules to be taken by mouth for posture-related dizziness.

How should Droxidopa be taken?

The initial dose is 100 mg three capsules daily. The dose can be increased up to a maximum dose of 600 mg three capsules daily with or without food at the same time every day.
To reduce the chance of high blood pressure, raise the head end of the bed and give the last capsule at least 3 hours prior to bedtime.
Capsules should be taken as a whole.
The effectiveness of treatment with droxidopa beyond 2 weeks of treatment is doubtful.

Missed a Dose?

Droxidopa should be taken at the regularly scheduled time daily if a dose is missed.
Doubling the dose is not recommended if the patient misses the dose.

What are the warnings and precautions for Droxidopa?

Droxidopa can cause high blood pressure and may increase the risks of stroke, heart attacks, and death if high blood pressure is not managed properly.

• Patients are advised to rest and sleep with head end of the bed slightly raised and the blood pressure should be regularly monitored. Caution is needed in patients with existing heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure

What are the side effects of Droxidopa?

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea
• Nervous system: Headache, dizziness, confusion , hyperpyrexia (elevated body temperature)
• Cardiovascular: Elevated blood pressure

What are the other precautions for Droxidopa?

Caution is needed in case of women in the reproductive age group, pregnant and breastfeeding women. They should consult their doctor before taking droxidopa.
Droxidopa is not recommended in patients with GFR less than 30 mL/min (severe kidney damage).

What are the Drug Interactions of Droxidopa?

Concomitant use of DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (drugs used in Parkinson’s) may require dose adjustments for droxidopa.

What are the storage conditions for Droxidopa?

Droxidopa capsules should be stored at room temperature which is 20°C-25°C.
Advertisement
Recommended Reading