Midodrine. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in orthostatic hypotension and secondary hypotensive disorders

Abstract

Midodrine, a peripheral alpha-adrenergic agonist, finds use in the clinical management of patients with orthostatic hypotension or hypotension secondary to other clinical conditions or drug therapies. Midodrine is almost completely absorbed after oral administration and undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis to form its pharmacologically active metabolite, de-glymidodrine. In patients with refractory orthostatic hypotension oral midodrine increases standing blood pressure and improves symptoms of orthostatism, such as weakness, syncope, blurred vision and fatigue, without any associated cardiac stimulation. Comparative studies have shown midodrine to be clinically at least as effective as other sympathomimetic agents (norfenefrine, etilefrine, dimetofrine and ephedrine) and dihydroergotamine in this regard. Additionally, midodrine appears to cause less frequent and severe adverse effects associated with alpha-receptor agonism such as piloerection and urinary hesitancy. The most commonly experienced adverse effects--piloerector reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular complaints--are generally mild and can be controlled by reducing the dosage of midodrine. Thus, midodrine is at least as useful as other currently available options in the management of orthostatic or secondary hypotension, and represents a stepping stone towards optimal therapy.