Guide To Medications That Treat Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is used to treat life-threatening cases of low blood pressure. Doctors administer the drug intravenously in emergency rooms and intensive care units. It is often given during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Sepsis patients and those with low blood pressure due to hemodialysis often need this medication. Patients should let their doctors know if they have a history of diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, asthma, or sulfite allergies before receiving this medication.

Doctors will monitor the patient's blood pressure, respiration, and other vital signs during and after administration. Norepinephrine may damage the tissues around the infusion site if it leaks out of the patient's vein. Patients should let medical staff know right away if they feel pain, irritation, or a cold feeling in the skin or veins near the area where the medicine is being given. Typically, patients receive this medication until they respond to treatment. This may take several days.

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Droxidopa

Droxidopa is prescribed to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. This condition can be caused by Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Droxidopa comes as a capsule. It is believed to work by narrowing an individual's blood vessels. To minimize side effects, doctors start patients on a low dose, gradually increasing the daily dose over time. Most patients take this medication three times a day during the daytime. They should not take it within three hours of bedtime. Most individuals use this medication for no more than two weeks.

Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are the most common side effects of droxidopa. Patients should let their doctor know if these effects are severe or persistent. They need to immediately contact their doctor if they notice bladder pain, cloudy urine, painful urination, or lower back pain on this medication. Individuals who take droxidopa should monitor their blood pressure at home. They must share the results with medical staff. Doctors will check the patient's blood pressure before and during treatment too. Since droxidopa may raise blood pressure while the patient is lying down, they should elevate the head of their bed before resting or sleeping.

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