Abstract/Text: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a 10-mg dose of midodrine 3 times per day in improving blood pressure (BP) and ameliorating symptoms of orthostatic hypotension in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Midodrine hydrochloride, an alpha-agonist, could improve orthostatic BP by increasing vasomotor and venomotor tone.
DESIGN/METHODS: A total of 171 patients with orthostatic hypotension participated in a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study. They were randomized to a 10-mg dose of midodrine or placebo 3 times per day in a 6-week study, comprising single-blind run-in (at week 1) and washout at weeks 5 and 6, with an intervening double-blind period (weeks 2 to 4).
SETTING: Twenty-five centers, with most patients evaluated in referral centers.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end points were improvement in standing systolic BP, symptoms of lightheadedness, and a global symptom relief score (by the investigator and patient separately).
RESULTS: Nine patients were not evaluable because of noncompliance or taking concomitant vasoactive medications (3 in the midodrine group, 6 in the placebo group). In the evaluable patients, midodrine resulted in improvements in standing systolic BP at all time points (P<.001 at visits 2, 3, 4, and 5), in reported symptoms by the end of the second week of treatment (P=.001), and in the global symptom relief score rated by both the patient (P=.03) and the investigator (P<.001). There was no effect by center, severity of orthostatic hypotension, use of fludrocortisone or compression garments, or diagnosis. The main adverse effects were those of pilomotor reactions, urinary retention, and supine hypertension.
CONCLUSIONS: Midodrine is efficacious and safe in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Abstract/Text: Midodrine is a prodrug which undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis to the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist desglymidodrine after oral administration. Oral midodrine significantly increases 1-minute standing systolic blood pressure compared with placebo. The drug also improves standing time and energy level and clinical symptoms of orthostatic hypotension including dizziness, light-headedness and syncope. Comparative studies have shown midodrine to have similar efficacy to dihydroergotamine mesylate, norfenefrine, fludrocortisone and etilefrine, and to be more effective than dimetofrine and ephedrine in patients with orthostatic hypotension. Midodrine is well tolerated, with the most commonly reported adverse events being piloerection, pruritus, paraesthesias, urinary retention and chills. The risk of supine hypertension, which is associated with midodrine therapy in up to 25% of patients, can be reduced by taking the final daily dose at least 4 hours before bedtime. Thus, oral midodrine is an effective therapeutic option for the management of various forms of orthostatic hypotension. This well-tolerated agent is likely to be useful in conjunction with standard nonpharmacological care.

Abstract/Text: OBJECTIVE: To determine the best therapeutic strategy for the use of midodrine in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH).
BACKGROUND: Midodrine is a peripherally acting alpha-adrenergic agonist useful in the treatment of NOH. However, neither the most effective dosage of midodrine nor the required frequency of administration is established.
DESIGN/METHODS: Midodrine dose-blood pressure response, pharmacokinetics, and duration of action were examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-way crossover trial. Twenty-five patients with NOH were randomized to receive on successive days placebo or midodrine 2.5, 10, or 20 mg. Blood pressures of patients in the supine and standing positions were measured sequentially. A global assessment of the patient's overall symptom improvement after each leg of the study was performed. Blood levels of midodrine and its active metabolite, desglymidodrine, were assayed.
RESULTS: Midodrine significantly increased standing systolic blood pressure, with the increase peaking at 1 hour. There was a significant linear relation between midodrine dosage and mean systolic blood pressure. The mean score for global improvement of symptoms was significantly higher for midodrine (10 and 20 mg) compared with placebo. The half-life of desglymidodrine was approximately 4 hours.
CONCLUSION: A 10-mg dose of midodrine prescribed two to three times daily is effective in increasing orthostatic blood pressure and ameliorating symptoms in patients with NOH.

Abstract/Text: OBJECTIVE: To determine the best therapeutic strategy for the use of midodrine in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH).
BACKGROUND: Midodrine is a peripherally acting alpha-adrenergic agonist useful in the treatment of NOH. However, neither the most effective dosage of midodrine nor the required frequency of administration is established.
DESIGN/METHODS: Midodrine dose-blood pressure response, pharmacokinetics, and duration of action were examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-way crossover trial. Twenty-five patients with NOH were randomized to receive on successive days placebo or midodrine 2.5, 10, or 20 mg. Blood pressures of patients in the supine and standing positions were measured sequentially. A global assessment of the patient's overall symptom improvement after each leg of the study was performed. Blood levels of midodrine and its active metabolite, desglymidodrine, were assayed.
RESULTS: Midodrine significantly increased standing systolic blood pressure, with the increase peaking at 1 hour. There was a significant linear relation between midodrine dosage and mean systolic blood pressure. The mean score for global improvement of symptoms was significantly higher for midodrine (10 and 20 mg) compared with placebo. The half-life of desglymidodrine was approximately 4 hours.
CONCLUSION: A 10-mg dose of midodrine prescribed two to three times daily is effective in increasing orthostatic blood pressure and ameliorating symptoms in patients with NOH.