Drug Can Help Patients With Blood Pressure Disorder

Jane Jacobs, 507-284-2387 (days), 507-284-2511 (evenings)
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For Immediate Release

Mayo Clinic Study Determines Drug Can Help Patients With Blood Pressure Disorder Lead a More Normal Life

ROCHESTER, MINN. ó Mayo Clinic researchers have determined that the drug midodrine (MID-o-drin) can safely raise the blood pressure of patients suffering from a disorder that causes blood pressure to plunge when a patient stands up.

The use of midodrine by patients who have the disorder, neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, can help them to lead a more normal life, says a Mayo Clinic neurologist, the studies primary author Dr. Phillip Low. "This drug elevates blood pressure for two to four hours, allowing the patient to be on his or her feet without being dizzy or lightheaded. Some patients with this condition have been afraid to leave home or even get out of bed because they may faint or pass out," says Dr. Low. "This can significantly improve the quality of life for those patients."

Midodrine, the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat orthostatic hypotension, constricts blood vessels which in turn increases blood pressure.

During the studyís six-day trial at Mayo Clinic and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, N. Y., researchers randomly gave 25 patients a placebo or midodrine. The patientsí blood pressure and plasma concentration of midodrine were measured while they were lying down and again after they stood up, at different times after taking the drug. Patients who took midodrine had relief of symptoms and an increased systolic blood pressure compared to those who received the placebo. In previous studies, midodrine allowed patients to stand up longer and feel less lightheaded.

According to Dr. Low, treating neurogenic orthostatic hypotension before the use of midodrine was difficult and more hazardous. "Many patients with this condition have partially paralyzed stomachs that make it difficult to absorb medication," says Low. "Midodrine was easily absorbed into the body, and because the blood pressure-raising effect lasts only a few hours, omitting midodrine in the night can help prevent night-time hypertension."

"Side-effects, such as goose-bumps, tingling and itching were minimal and could be controlled by decreasing the prescribed dosage," says Dr. Low.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypertension can appear on its own or be associated with other conditions such as parkinsonism or diabetes. It also affects the elderly and can cause confusion, blurred vision and lack of balance.

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