Midodrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.

Applies to midodrine: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure and should be used only in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care.

Clinical benefits of midodrine hydrochloride tablets, principally improved ability to carry out activities of daily living, have not been verified.

Serious side effects of midodrine

Along with its needed effects, midodrine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking midodrine:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• cardiac awareness
• headache
• pounding in the ears

Rare side effects

• fainting
• increased dizziness
• slow pulse

Other side effects of midodrine

Some side effects of midodrine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• burning, itching, or prickling of the scalp
• chills
• goosebumps
• urinary frequency, retention, or urgency

Less common side effects

• anxiety or nervousness
• confusion
• dry mouth
• flushing
• headache or feeling of pressure in the head
• skin rash

Rare side effects

• backache
• canker sores
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry skin
• leg cramps
• pain or sensitivity of the skin to touch
• stomach problems such as gas, heartburn, or nausea
• trouble seeing
• trouble with sleeping
• weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to midodrine: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were paresthesia (includes hyperesthesia and scalp paresthesia), piloerection, dysuria (includes dysuria, increased urinary frequency, impaired urination, urinary retention, and urinary urgency), pruritus (includes scalp pruritus), and supine hypertension.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Supine hypertension, flushing
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Reflex bradycardia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Tachycardia, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Vasodilation/flushing face^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Paresthesia (18.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Feeling of pressure/fullness in the head, dizziness, somnolence^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Piloerection (13.4%), pruritus (12.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Skin hyperesthesia, erythema multiforme, dry skin^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Dysuria (13.4%)
• Frequency not reported: Impaired urination^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, dyspepsia, stomatitis
• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, canker sore, pyrosis, gastrointestinal distress, flatulence, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, pain
• Frequency not reported: Asthenia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleep disorders, insomnia, restlessness, excitability, irritability
• Frequency not reported: Confusion/thinking abnormality, nervousness/anxiety^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abnormal hepatic function, raised liver enzymes^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Backache, leg cramps^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Visual field defect^[Ref]

Further information

Midodrine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer