Droxidopa oral capsules

What is this medication?

DROXIDOPA (droks eye DOE pa) is used to reduce dizziness, lightheadedness, or the "feeling that you are about to black out" that happens due to a drop in blood pressure when changing positions or standing.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NORTHERA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• An unusual or allergic reaction to droxidopa, tartrazine dye, aspirin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take this medication when you wake up in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. You can take this medication with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• Certain medications used to treat colds, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine
• Linezolid
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be when sitting and when standing and when to contact your care team.

When you rest and sleep, make sure that your upper body is elevated. Check your blood pressure regularly while in this position.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• high blood pressure
• signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) such as confusion; fast or irregular heart beat; high fever; increased sweating; uncontrolled head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements; stiff muscles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.