Medication

Midodrine

A vasoconstrictor that raises blood pressure and reduces blood pooling on standing in POTS.

Medication
oral tablet
Target dose
2.5 mg – 10 mg per dose
Titration
Clinician-led
Last reviewed
May 14, 2026

what it is.

01 — about

Midodrine is a vasoconstrictor prescribed to raise blood pressure and reduce the pooling of blood in the lower body that occurs on standing. At biio., it is used for POTS where low blood pressure or venous pooling is a significant driver of orthostatic symptoms — dizziness, pre-syncope, and the inability to stand for sustained periods. Each dose lasts approximately 3–6 hours, making it useful for targeted periods of upright activity.

Important

Do not take within 4 hours of lying down or going to bed.

how it works.

02 — mechanism

Midodrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist — its active metabolite, desglymidodrine, constricts the small blood vessels in the legs and abdomen, reducing blood pooling and increasing venous return to the heart. This raises blood pressure and reduces the reflex tachycardia triggered by a drop in blood pressure on standing, improving blood flow to the brain and heart. Midodrine is less effective when fluid and sodium intake is low; maintaining adequate hydration remains essential.

CONSTRICTS THE VESSELS

Its active form tightens the small blood vessels in the legs and abdomen, where blood tends to pool on standing.

RAISES BLOOD PRESSURE

More venous return to the heart lifts blood pressure and improves blood flow to the brain.

CALMS THE HEART RATE

By steadying blood pressure on standing, it blunts the reflex tachycardia central to POTS.

HYDRATION STILL MATTERS

Its effect diminishes when you are dehydrated — fluid and sodium intake remain part of the plan.

how to take it.

03 — daily routine

Midodrine is taken as an oral tablet.

  • Take doses during waking hours only — when you are upright or about to be active.
  • Do not take within 4 hours of lying down or going to bed. Midodrine raises blood pressure, and taking it before you lie flat will cause supine hypertension — elevated blood pressure while lying down.
  • Take 30–60 minutes before a period of planned upright activity for best effect.
  • Do not take while already lying flat.
  • Take with or without food.
  • Store at room temperature.

starting & adjusting your dose.

04 — titration
clinician-led titrationadjust only on biio. instruction — never self-titrate

Starting dose and titration up. This is clinician-led titration. Blood pressure monitoring informs each step.

  • Starting dose: 2.5–5 mg, taken 2–3 times daily during waking hours (e.g., morning, midday, mid-afternoon)
  • Increase in 2.5 mg increments per dose based on clinical review and blood pressure response
  • Maximum dose: 10 mg per dose, up to 30 mg per day total
  • Space doses approximately every 3-6 hours
  • Last dose must be taken at least 4 hours before lying down

Do not increase the dose between reviews. If your symptoms return before the next dose is due (3–3.5 hours after the previous dose), contact biio. — more frequent dosing at 3-hourly intervals may be an option rather than a higher dose.

Reducing the dose. If side effects are bothersome, try reducing each dose by 2.5 mg. If supine hypertension is occurring, check that you are not taking midodrine too close to lying down before reducing the dose. If supine hypertension persists despite correct timing, the dose needs to be reduced — contact biio.

Starting dose
2.5–5 mg, 2–3 times daily

During waking hours

Every 3 – 7 days
+2.5 mg per dose

On clinical review, per blood-pressure response

Target dose
2.5 mg – 10 mg per dose

Maximum
10 mg per dose

Up to 30 mg per day total

Reducing the dose

If sedation, brain fog, or blood-pressure drops are bothersome, reduce by one step — 50 mcg — and hold there for 7 days before reassessing. Do not reduce more than one step at a time without biio. input.

stopping the medication.

05 — tapering

Stopping the medication. Midodrine can be stopped without tapering. Orthostatic symptoms will typically return within a few days of stopping as the vasoconstriction effect wears off.

Missed a dose?

If you miss a dose and it is more than 1–2 hours past when you planned to take it, skip it. Do not double up at the next dose. Do not take a missed dose if it is late in the day and you will be lying down within 4 hours.

what to expect.

06 — timeline & markers

Improvement in standing tolerance is usually noticeable within the first few days of use. The medication works for approximately 3–6 hours per dose. Markers that suggest midodrine is working include:

  • Able to stand for longer without dizziness or near-fainting
  • Less rapid heart rate on standing
  • Improved function during periods when the medication is active

Midodrine is most effective as part of a full POTS management plan that includes adequate fluid and sodium intake, compression garments, and physical reconditioning. Its effect diminishes when you are dehydrated.

side effects — what to do.

07 — three tiers

Most side effects are mild and settle as your body adapts. Use the three tiers below to decide what to do. When in doubt, lean toward the middle tier — call biio. and we will help.

01

common & usually self-manageable.

Manage at home
Urinary hesitancy or slowed urination

Midodrine can cause mild difficulty initiating urination, particularly in men. Ensure adequate fluid intake. If urination becomes difficult or painful, stop the dose and contact biio.

Nausea or stomach discomfort

Usually mild and settles over the first 1–2 weeks.

Headache

Common, particularly early in treatment. Often reflects increased blood pressure. If mild, paracetamol is appropriate. Monitor whether blood pressure is elevated.

Piloerection and scalp tingling

A very common and characteristic side effect of midodrine — intense goosebump sensations, most commonly on the scalp, but also on the neck and arms. This is the medication working (vasoconstriction) and is not dangerous. It usually settles within 30–60 minutes of each dose. If it is bothersome, reducing the dose by 2.5 mg often helps.

02

worth a call to biio.

Contact us
No improvement after 2–4 weeks at target dose

No improvement in standing tolerance after 2–4 weeks at your target dose.

Waking with headache despite correct dose timing

You are taking the last dose at the correct time but still waking with headache — this may indicate overnight blood pressure elevation.

Sitting blood pressure consistently above 150/90

Blood pressure consistently elevated when sitting (above 150/90) on home monitoring.

Urinary difficulty lasting more than one dose cycle

Urinary difficulty lasting more than one dose cycle.

Severe scalp tingling or piloerection

Scalp tingling or piloerection that is severe enough to affect your ability to focus or function — a dose reduction is likely needed.

03

seek urgent care.

Act immediately
Inability to urinate

Stop midodrine, drink adequate fluids, and seek urgent medical review if you cannot pass urine within 2–3 hours.

Severe headache, visual disturbance, chest pain, or dyspnoea

Severe headache, visual disturbance (blurred or greyish vision), chest pain, or shortness of breath may indicate dangerously elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). Stop midodrine immediately, lie down with your head slightly elevated (not fully flat), and call 000. Tell the treating team you take midodrine and when your last dose was.

interactions.

08 — what to flag
Medication or contextRuleWhat to know
Other medications that increase hyponatraemia risk
SSRIs/SNRIs, carbamazepine, some tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs, diuretics (frusemide, spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide), and some antipsychotics
Inform biio.

all lower sodium or impair sodium regulation. Combining these with desmopressin increases the risk of hyponatraemia substantially. Inform biio. if you are on any of these medications.

Oestrogen and progesterone therapy
Oversight

DHEA is converted to oestradiol and testosterone in peripheral tissues. If you are also on oestrogen or progesterone (HRT, oral contraceptives), biio. will manage the dose carefully — sometimes a lower DHEA dose is appropriate.

Renal impairment
Inform biio.

Famotidine is primarily renally cleared. If eGFR is below 50, the dosing interval should be increased (e.g. 20 mg every 48 hours instead of daily). Inform biio. of any new kidney diagnosis.

Fruit juices
grapefruit, orange, apple
Avoid

Reduce fexofenadine absorption substantially. Take with water only; separate from juice by at least 2 hours.

Alcohol and CNS depressants
benzodiazepines, sleeping medications, opioids
Caution

Additive sedation. Avoid alcohol until you are on a stable dose and know its effect. Use other sedating medications with caution alongside cetirizine.

Other blood pressure medications and antihypertensives
beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs
Monitor

Additive blood pressure lowering. Combinations require blood pressure monitoring. Particular caution with beta blockers: if clonidine is stopped abruptly in someone also taking a beta blocker, rebound hypertension can be severe. If both are being discontinued, clonidine should be tapered first.

Warfarin (anticoagulant)
Monitor

Case reports exist of CoQ10 affecting INR. If you take warfarin, have your INR checked within 1–2 weeks of starting or stopping CoQ10, and inform biio. and your anticoagulation clinician.

Kidney disease
Oversight

Creatine supplementation raises creatinine — a by-product of phosphocreatine breakdown — which can make kidney function tests appear worse even when the kidneys are not impaired. If you have known kidney disease or reduced eGFR, inform biio. before starting creatine — the decision to supplement requires clinical review, and baseline and follow-up creatinine may need monitoring.

LDN, antihistamines, desmopressin, fludrocortisone, midodrine, ketotifen, montelukast
No issue

No known significant interactions — all commonly co-prescribed at biio. Because cromolyn sodium is minimally absorbed from the gut, it has very few systemic drug interactions.

Alcohol
Avoid

Alcohol inhibits DAO enzyme activity in the gut — both the DAO your body produces and supplemental DAO. Avoid alcohol if using DAO enzyme before a meal, as it directly reduces the supplement's effectiveness.

Potassium-depleting diuretics
frusemide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide
Inform biio.

Additive potassium loss. This combination significantly increases hypokalemia risk. Inform biio. if another prescriber adds a diuretic.

CYP3A4 inhibitors
ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, grapefruit juice
Oversight

Increase guanfacine exposure significantly. biio. may need to halve the dose during a course of these medications.

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole; clarithromycin, telithromycin; diltiazem and verapamil; grapefruit juice
Avoid

Do not combine with ivabradine. Antifungals: itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole. Macrolide antibiotics: clarithromycin, telithromycin (note: azithromycin is usually acceptable — confirm with biio.). Calcium channel blockers: diltiazem and verapamil (not amlodipine — that is usually acceptable). Grapefruit juice increases ivabradine exposure significantly — avoid entirely while taking ivabradine. If a CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic is prescribed for an acute infection (e.g. clarithromycin for chest infection), discuss with biio. before starting — it may be necessary to temporarily stop ivabradine or choose an alternative antibiotic.

QT-prolonging medications
including some antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics, and antifungals
Inform biio.

There is a theoretical interaction risk. If a new QT-prolonging drug is prescribed by another clinician, inform biio. before starting it. Do not combine without review.

Ketoconazole, erythromycin, and other CYP3A4/2D6 inhibitors
No issue

These can mildly increase loratadine blood levels, but the clinical significance is low at standard doses. No dose adjustment is typically needed.

CYP3A4 inhibitors
ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin
Inform biio.

Increases aripiprazole exposure. Dose reduction may be needed during a course. Inform biio.

All opioid medications
codeine, oxycodone, morphine, tramadol, buprenorphine, fentanyl, and others
Avoid

Do not combine unless you have discussed this with your prescriber. LDN will block their analgesic effect and may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. If another prescriber starts you on an opioid, ensure they are aware you are currently taking LDN. It is possible to use opioids and LDN together, however the timing needs to be discussed with your prescriber to ensure no interactions. Please note that if you decide to use 'party drugs', these may contain unknown opioid medications and it is advised not to mix these with LDN.

Agomelatine (an antidepressant used for depression, anxiety and sleep regulation)
Oversight

Binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors, combining with melatonin requires caution as excessive drowsiness can occur. If you take agomelatine, your melatonin dose should be very low (0.5 mg or less) and reviewed with biio. Do not take standard melatonin doses alongside agomelatine without clinical guidance.

MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)
Avoid

Contraindicated. The combination can cause severe hypertensive crisis, headache, and cardiovascular collapse. Inform every prescriber that you take methyldopa. If an MAOI is prescribed, contact biio. immediately.

Oestrogen
oral, transdermal, vaginal
Oversight

When prescribed together as combined hormone therapy, the progesterone is essential — it protects the uterine lining. Do not stop progesterone while continuing oestrogen.

MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)
phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, and the antibiotic linezolid
Avoid

Do not combine with midodrine. This combination can precipitate a severe hypertensive crisis. If an MAOI is prescribed by any clinician, inform biio. immediately on 1800 325 205.

CYP2C8 inhibition
Inform biio.

Montelukast inhibits the CYP2C8 enzyme, which is involved in the metabolism of some medications. This is unlikely to be clinically significant for most biio. patients, but if you are prescribed a new medication — particularly ones broken down via cytochrome P450 pathways — inform biio.

Other nicotine products
cigarettes, vapes, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, snus
Avoid

Do not combine. The combined nicotine dose can produce toxicity. If you start a patch trial, you must not use any other nicotine product.

Renal impairment
Inform biio.

Nizatidine is renally cleared. If eGFR is significantly reduced, dose adjustment is needed. Inform biio. of any new kidney diagnosis.

Fludrocortisone
Oversight

Promotes renal sodium retention. When fludrocortisone and oral electrolyte supplementation are used together — as they commonly are in POTS management — the effect is additive. Your sodium and fluid targets need to be set with both in mind; taking standard electrolyte targets on top of fludrocortisone without clinical review increases the risk of fluid overload and oedema. Ensure biio. knows you are on both.

Anticoagulants
warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran
No issue

No clinically significant interaction documented. PEA does not have anti-platelet effects.

Oestrogen
oral, transdermal, vaginal
Oversight

When prescribed together as combined hormone therapy, the progesterone is essential — it protects the uterine lining. Do not stop progesterone while continuing oestrogen.

Asthma and reactive airways disease
Avoid

Propranolol is contraindicated. If there is any history of asthma or bronchospasm, confirm with biio. before use.

Neuromuscular blocking agents used in anaesthesia
pancuronium, rocuronium, vecuronium
Plan ahead

Pyridostigmine significantly interacts with non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents, affecting their dose requirements and duration. You must inform your anaesthetist and surgical team that you take pyridostigmine before any procedure requiring general anaesthesia. Ideally, contact biio. in advance to discuss whether to pause pyridostigmine around the time of surgery.

Oral medications generally
Inform biio.

Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which may alter the absorption of some oral medications. Most medications are not clinically affected, but inform biio. of any narrow-window oral medication you take, such as ADHD medications.

Oral medications generally
Inform biio.

Tirzepatide slows gastric emptying, which may alter the absorption of some oral medications. Most medications are not clinically affected, but inform biio. of any narrow-window oral medication you take.

Oestrogen and progesterone therapy
Oversight

Topical testosterone is often used alongside HRT in post-menopausal women. biio. will manage the regimen as a whole.

Fludrocortisone
Oversight

Also affects sodium and fluid retention. Both are sometimes used together in POTS management, but the combination increases risk of fluid overload and hyponatraemia — this combination requires clinical oversight. Do not combine without explicit biio. instruction.

Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors
Avoid

DHEA can be converted to oestrogen and may interfere with the intended effect of these medications. Do not combine without specialist agreement.

Proton pump inhibitors
esomeprazole, pantoprazole, omeprazole
Plan ahead

Reflux medications such as esomeprazole, pantoprazole and omeprazole can be used with famotidine, however doses may need to be staggered. Discuss this with your biio. prescriber.

Aluminium- or magnesium-containing antacids
Plan ahead

Reduce fexofenadine absorption. Separate by at least 2 hours.

Theophylline
Inform biio.

High doses of theophylline can reduce cetirizine clearance, potentially increasing sedation. If theophylline is prescribed, inform biio.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
amitriptyline, nortriptyline
Inform biio.

These can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of clonidine. Inform biio. if a TCA is prescribed.

Statins
atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
No issue

Statins reduce endogenous CoQ10 production in the liver. Supplemental CoQ10 is sometimes used alongside statins for this reason — there is no adverse pharmacokinetic interaction and the combination is safe.

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and diuretics
ibuprofen, naproxen
Inform biio.

These can reduce kidney clearance of creatinine. Combined use with creatine may produce more significant creatinine elevation on blood tests, which can confuse monitoring. Inform biio. if you use NSAIDs regularly.

Renal or hepatic impairment
Inform biio.

Dosing should be reviewed if you develop significant kidney or liver disease, as elimination may be affected. Inform biio. of any new diagnoses.

High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Caution

May inhibit DAO activity in some people. Avoid very high-dose vitamin C supplementation if you are using DAO enzyme and not achieving expected benefit.

Desmopressin
Oversight

Both affect sodium and fluid balance. The combination requires clinical oversight and carries increased risk of fluid overload or electrolyte disturbance. Do not combine without explicit biio. instruction.

CYP3A4 inducers
carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, St John's wort
Oversight

Reduce guanfacine effectiveness. May need higher doses of guanfacine.

Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
fluconazole, some HIV medications
Inform biio.

Inform biio. and your pharmacist — dose reduction may be needed.

Sedating medications and alcohol
Caution

Ketotifen has additive sedating effects with other CNS depressants — alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping medications, opioids, and some antihistamines. Avoid alcohol until you know how ketotifen affects you. If combining with other sedating medications, do so with caution and only after discussion with biio.

Alcohol
Caution

Loratadine is non-sedating and does not significantly interact with alcohol — but alcohol itself is a histamine liberator and a common MCAS trigger. Use with awareness.

CYP2D6 inhibitors
fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion
Inform biio.

Increases aripiprazole exposure. Inform biio.

Thyroid hormone medication
thyroxine, T3, T3/T4 combinations
Monitor

LDN may increase sensitivity to thyroid hormone in some people. If you take thyroid medication, monitor for signs of over-replacement — palpitations, tremor, sweating, anxiety — and report these to biio.

Fluvoxamine (an antidepressant used for OCD and anxiety)
Oversight

Dramatically increases melatonin blood levels — by up to 17-fold — by inhibiting the CYP1A2 enzyme that metabolises melatonin. If you take fluvoxamine, your melatonin dose should be very low (0.5 mg or less) and reviewed with biio. Do not take standard melatonin doses alongside fluvoxamine without clinical guidance.

Oral iron supplements
Plan ahead

Iron significantly reduces the absorption of methyldopa. Separate iron from methyldopa by at least 2 hours. Do not take together.

Anticonvulsants
phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, topiramate
Inform biio.

These accelerate progesterone metabolism and reduce its effect. Dose adjustment is sometimes needed — inform biio.

Alpha blockers
prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin
Inform biio.

These drugs work in the opposite direction to midodrine — they dilate blood vessels. Combining them will reduce or negate midodrine's effect. Inform biio. if prescribed.

Rifampicin and other strong CYP enzyme inducers
Inform biio.

These drugs can reduce montelukast levels and reduce its effectiveness. If rifampicin or similar is prescribed, inform biio.

Caffeine
Caution

Nicotine increases caffeine metabolism — the same caffeine dose can feel less effective on a nicotine patch. The reverse can happen if you stop the patch — caffeine can feel stronger.

Proton pump inhibitors
Plan ahead

Reflux medications such as esomeprazole, pantoprazole and omeprazole can be used with nizatidine, however doses may need to be staggered. Discuss this with your biio. prescriber.

Desmopressin
Caution

Reduces fluid excretion from the kidney. On days you take desmopressin, restrict fluid intake for 8 hours after the dose — even if you are otherwise on a high fluid intake target. Large fluid intake with desmopressin significantly increases the risk of hyponatraemia. See your desmopressin factsheet for the specific instructions that apply on dose days.

NSAIDs
No issue

PEA is sometimes used to reduce reliance on NSAIDs. No direct interaction.

Anticonvulsants
phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, topiramate
Inform biio.

These accelerate progesterone metabolism and reduce its effect. Dose adjustment is sometimes needed — inform biio.

Calcium channel blockers
verapamil and diltiazem
Avoid

Combining with propranolol can cause severe bradycardia and heart block. Do not combine unless under the care of a cardiologist. (Amlodipine is generally safe.)

Anticholinergic medications
bladder medications such as oxybutynin, solifenacin; some antidepressants; some antipsychotics
Inform biio.

These directly oppose pyridostigmine's mechanism, reducing its effect. If an anticholinergic is prescribed, inform biio.

Levothyroxine
Monitor

Absorption may be modestly reduced; thyroid function should be checked at standard intervals.

Oral contraceptives
Caution

Manufacturer guidance suggests that for the first 4 weeks of starting tirzepatide and for 4 weeks after each dose increase, a barrier method or a non-oral contraceptive should be added to oral contraceptives, because tirzepatide may reduce oral contraceptive absorption during these windows. Confirm specific guidance with biio.

Anticoagulants
warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran
Monitor

Testosterone may modestly affect coagulation parameters. INR monitoring may need to be more frequent on warfarin.

Antihistamines (H1 and H2)
No issue

DAO and antihistamines work via entirely different mechanisms — DAO degrades histamine before absorption; antihistamines block histamine receptors after it reaches the bloodstream. The combination is rational and used at biio. There is no pharmacokinetic interaction.

Midodrine
Monitor

Commonly co-prescribed for POTS at biio. No significant pharmacokinetic interaction, but combining haemodynamic agents increases the importance of monitoring blood pressure.

Anticoagulants
warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran
Monitor

DHEA may modestly affect coagulation parameters. INR monitoring may need to be more frequent on warfarin.

Medications requiring acidic pH for absorption
atazanavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole capsules, certain oral iron preparations
Caution

Famotidine raises gastric pH and can reduce the absorption of atazanavir (HIV medication), ketoconazole, itraconazole taken as capsules, and certain oral iron preparations if taken within 2 hours. Separate these by at least 2 hours from famotidine if they are co-prescribed.

Renal impairment
Inform biio.

Cetirizine is primarily renally cleared. If your kidney function is significantly reduced (eGFR below 30), the dose should be halved to 5 mg daily or 10 mg every other day. Inform biio. of any new kidney diagnosis.

CNS depressants
benzodiazepines, sleeping medications, opioids, alcohol
Caution

Additive sedation. Use with caution. Avoid alcohol until you are established on a stable dose and know its sedating effect.

Antihypertensives
Monitor

CoQ10 has a mild blood-pressure-lowering effect in some people. If you take antihypertensives and your blood pressure is already on the lower side, monitor blood pressure when starting CoQ10 and report any significant further drop to biio.

Caffeine
Caution

High caffeine intake may partially reduce the performance benefit of creatine in some people. This is of limited clinical significance, but if you are a high caffeine user and not responding to creatine, it is worth considering reducing caffeine intake.

Food
No issue

There are no foods that interact with cromolyn sodium directly. The four-times-daily meal-linked schedule is about timing of gut protection, not pharmacokinetic interaction.

Erythromycin and ketoconazole
No issue

These increase fexofenadine blood levels (by approximately 100%), but without increasing adverse effects at standard doses. No dose adjustment is typically required.

Digoxin
Monitor

Hypokalemia from fludrocortisone can increase digoxin toxicity, potentially causing arrhythmias. If you take digoxin, strict potassium monitoring is required.

Other antihypertensives
Inform biio.

Additive blood pressure-lowering effect. If another clinician prescribes a blood pressure medication, inform biio.

Heart rate-slowing medications
beta-blockers, digoxin, amiodarone
Oversight

Combining with ivabradine increases the risk of symptomatic bradycardia. Beta-blocker combinations require clinical oversight and regular pulse monitoring.

H1 antihistamines
cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine
Caution

Commonly co-prescribed with ketotifen at biio. The combination does not produce a dangerous interaction, but additive sedation from hydroxyzine or first-generation antihistamines should be considered and you may be advised to time ketotifen separately.

Severe liver disease
Inform biio.

Loratadine is metabolised by the liver. If you have significant liver impairment, a dose reduction to 10 mg every other day may be needed. Inform biio. of any new liver diagnosis.

CYP3A4 inducers
carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, St John's wort
Inform biio.

Reduces aripiprazole exposure. Inform biio.

Immunosuppressant medications
methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporin, mycophenolate
Inform biio.

LDN's immune-modulating effects may interact unpredictably with immunosuppressants. Inform biio. and your prescribing specialist if you are on any of these.

Ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic)
Caution

Also inhibits CYP1A2 and increases melatonin levels. Short antibiotic courses with ciprofloxacin are common; if prescribed, take melatonin with caution and expect increased sedation or grogginess while on the antibiotic.

Clonidine
Oversight

Both are central sympatholytics with additive effects. If both are co-prescribed, close monitoring is required. Do not adjust or stop either without biio. oversight.

Rifampicin, rifabutin
Inform biio.

Reduce progesterone levels significantly. Inform biio. if these are prescribed.

Some antidepressants and antimalarials
Inform biio.

May increase midodrine levels and intensify side effects. If you are prescribed a new antidepressant or antimalarial (including prophylaxis), let biio. know.

LDN, antihistamines, desmopressin, fludrocortisone, midodrine, cromolyn sodium, ketotifen
No issue

These are commonly co-prescribed at biio. No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions with montelukast are expected.

Theophylline, clozapine, olanzapine, ropinirole, and other CYP1A2 substrates
Inform biio.

Nicotine induces CYP1A2; stopping the patch increases drug levels of these substrates. Relevant only if any of these are co-prescribed — inform biio.

Medications requiring acidic pH
Plan ahead

Nizatidine raises gastric pH and may reduce absorption of ketoconazole capsules, itraconazole capsules, atazanavir, and oral iron preparations if taken within 2 hours. Separate by at least 2 hours.

Diuretics
frusemide, spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide
Inform biio.

These counteract sodium retention and may reduce the benefit of electrolyte supplementation. If a diuretic is prescribed by another clinician, contact biio. — your electrolyte targets will likely need adjustment.

Gabapentinoids
gabapentin, pregabalin
No issue

Often used together for neuropathic pain. No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction. The clinical effects are complementary.

Rifampicin, rifabutin
Inform biio.

Reduce progesterone levels significantly.

Clonidine
Plan ahead

If both are being stopped, clonidine should be tapered off before propranolol is withdrawn. Withdrawing propranolol first while still on clonidine carries risk of rebound hypertension (high blood pressure) — discuss any planned cessation of either with biio.

Corticosteroids
Caution

Long-term co-use with cholinesterase inhibitors can cause significant muscle weakness in some patients. This is most relevant if oral corticosteroids are started long-term.

Oral contraceptives
Caution

Potential for reduced absorption, particularly in the first 8-12 weeks of commencing GLP1. Do not rely on oral contraceptive pills for contraception.

Levothyroxine
Monitor

Absorption may be modestly affected; thyroid function should be checked at standard intervals.

Insulin and oral diabetes medication
Monitor

Testosterone may improve insulin sensitivity. Monitor for hypoglycaemia if you are on diabetes medication.

LDN, fludrocortisone, midodrine, desmopressin, cromolyn sodium, ketotifen, montelukast, and other standard biio. medications
No issue

No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions with DAO enzyme supplement.

LDN, antihistamines, montelukast, cromolyn sodium, ketotifen
No issue

No significant interactions with desmopressin expected.

Insulin and oral diabetes medication
Monitor

DHEA may modestly improve insulin sensitivity. Monitor for hypoglycaemia if you are on diabetes medication.

Loratadine, fexofenadine, cetirizine, nizatidine, LDN, ketotifen, montelukast, desmopressin, cromolyn sodium, fludrocortisone, midodrine
No issue

No clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions with famotidine.

when to book a review.

09 — review triggers

Most patients only need contact between scheduled reviews when one of the following applies. When in doubt, send a message — we would rather hear from you early.

  • You need midodrine at a time of day later than 4 pm to manage afternoon symptoms — there may be a schedule adjustment or alternative to discuss.
  • Blood pressure is consistently elevated on home monitoring, or your supine blood pressure is elevated.
  • A new medication has been prescribed, especially cardiovascular, antidepressant, or urological medications.
  • You have a urological condition such as prostate disease — midodrine's effect on urination may be relevant.
  • You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • You have a planned surgical procedure — inform biio. in advance.
Talk to biio.1800 325 205

For questions about your dose, side effects, or anything in this guide.

In an emergency

For the tier-three emergencies above — rebound hypertension, collapse, overdose — call 000, not this line.

Guide version
2
Last reviewed
May 14, 2026
Prepared bybiio. prescribing team

This guide supports day-to-day use of midodrine under the care of a biio. prescriber and does not replace individual clinical advice. Midodrine titration is clinician-led and informed by blood pressure monitoring — do not adjust your dose between reviews, and if you are unsure about anything here, please contact biio. before making changes.