Northera

Generic name:droxidopa [ DROX-i-DOP-a ]
Drug class:Vasopressors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 7, 2022.

What is Northera?

Northera works by constricting (narrowing) the blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.

Northera is used to treat low blood pressure that causes severe dizziness or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Northera is for use in people with conditions of the nervous system that can cause low blood pressure (such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, autonomic failure, and others).

Warnings

Northera can increase your blood pressure even while you are lying down. You may need to keep your head elevated during sleep to help prevent high blood pressure. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to position your body while you are lying down or sleeping.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked before and during treatment with Northera, or whenever your dose is changed. Check your blood pressure while you are lying down, and check it again with your head elevated.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Northera if you are allergic to droxidopa.

To make sure Northera is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;

• history of heart attack or stroke;

• high blood pressure;

• kidney disease;

• asthma, or a history of severe allergic reaction to aspirin, especially aspirin triad syndrome; or

• if you are allergic to yellow food dye.

It is not known whether Northera will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether droxidopa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Northera is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years of age.

How should I take Northera?

Take Northera exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Northera is usually taken 3 times per day, as follows. First dose in the morning when you wake up; second dose at mid-day; third dose in the late afternoon or at least 3 hours before you go to bed. The timing of your doses is very important in helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure while you are taking this medicine. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You may take Northera with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a capsule. Swallow it whole.

Northera can increase your blood pressure even while you are lying down or sleeping (when blood pressure is usually lowest). Long-term high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart attack or stroke, which may be fatal.

Follow your doctor's instructions about the best way to position your body while you are laying down or sleepi...