Midodrine
Midodrine is a vasopressor medication used to treat orthostatic hypotension, a condition characterized by dangerously low blood pressure upon standing. It works by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure and is typically prescribed when non-pharmacological approaches have proven insufficient.
Midodrine raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels to treat orthostatic hypotension.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CA17
- RxNorm
- 6963
- Generic
- Midodrine
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Midodrine is FDA-approved for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. It may also be used off-label for conditions such as recurrent idiopathic anaphylaxis, hepatorenal syndrome, and certain types of refractory hypotension when other treatments have failed.
Midodrine is a prodrug that is metabolized into its active form, desglymidodrine. As an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, it causes vasoconstriction of both arterial and venous blood vessels, which increases peripheral vascular resistance and raises blood pressure.
Midodrine should be taken while upright (sitting or standing) and may cause supine hypertension as a common adverse effect. It is contraindicated in patients with severe heart disease, pheochromocytoma, or urinary retention. Patients should be monitored for signs of excessive blood pressure elevation, particularly when lying down.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy