WARNINGS
Supine Hypertension: The most potentially serious
adverse reaction associated with ProAmatine® therapy is marked
elevation of supine arterial blood pressure (supine hypertension). Systolic
pressure of about 200 mmHg were seen overall in about 13.4% of patients given
10 mg of ProAmatine®. Systolic elevations of this degree were
most likely to be observed in patients with relatively elevated pre-treatment
systolic blood pressures (mean 170 mmHg). There is no experience in patients
with initial supine systolic pressure above 180 mmHg, as those patients were
excluded from the clinical trials. Use of ProAmatine® in such
patients is not recommended. Sitting blood pressures were also elevated by
ProAmatine® therapy. It is essential to monitor supine and
sitting blood pressures in patients maintained on ProAmatine® .
Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular events,
particularly stroke.
PRECAUTIONS
General
The potential for supine and sitting hypertension should
be evaluated at the beginning of ProAmatine® therapy. Supine hypertension can
often be controlled by preventing the patient from becoming fully supine, i.e.,
sleeping with the head of the bed elevated. The patient should be cautioned to
report symptoms of supine hypertension immediately. Symptoms may include
cardiac awareness, pounding in the ears, headache, blurred vision, etc. The
patient should be advised to discontinue the medication immediately if supine
hypertension persists.
Blood pressure should be monitored carefully when ProAmatine®
is used concomitantly with other agents that cause vasoconstriction, such as
phenylephrine, ephedrine, dihydroergotamine, phenylpropanolamine, or
pseudoephedrine.
A slight slowing of the heart rate may occur after
administration of ProAmatine® , primarily due to vagal reflex. Caution should
be exercised when ProAmatine® is used concomitantly with cardiac glycosides
(such as digitalis), psychopharmacologic agents, beta blockers or other agents
that directly or indirectly reduce heart rate. Patients who experience any
signs or symptoms suggesting bradycardia (pulse slowing, increased dizziness,
syncope, cardiac awareness) should be advised to discontinue ProAmatine® and
should be re-evaluated.
ProAmatine® should be used cautiously in patients with
urinary retention problems, as desglymidodrine acts on the alpha-adrenergic
receptors of the bladder neck.
ProAmatine® should be used with caution in orthostatic
hypotensive patients who are also diabetic, as well as those with a history of
visual problems who are also taking fludrocortisone acetate, which is known to
cause an increase in intraocular pressure and glaucoma.
ProAmatine® use has not been studied in patients with
renal impairment. Because desglymidodrine is eliminated via the kidneys, and
higher blood levels would be expected in such patients, ProAmatine® should be
used with caution in patients with renal impairment, with a starting dose of
2.5 mg (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Renal function should be
assessed prior to initial use of ProAmatine® .
ProAmatine® use has not been studied in patients with
hepatic impairment. ProAmatine® should be used with caution in patients with
hepatic impairment, as the liver has a role in the metabolism of midodrine.
Laboratory Tests
Since desglymidodrine is eliminated by the kidneys and
the liver has a role in its metabolism, evaluation of the patient should
include assessment of renal and hepatic function prior to initiating therapy
and subsequently, as appropriate.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Long-term studies have been conducted in rats and mice at
dosages 3 to 4 times the maximum recommended daily human dose on a mg/m² basis,
with no indication of carcinogenic effects related to ProAmatine®. Studies
investigating the mutagenic potential of ProAmatine® revealed no evidence of
mutagenicity. Other than the dominant lethal assay in male mice, where no
impairment of fertility was observed, there have been no studies on the effects
of ProAmatine® on fertility.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
ProAmatine® increased the
rate of embryo resorption, reduced fetal body weight in rats and rabbits, and
decreased fetal survival in rabbits when given in doses 13 (rat) and 7 (rabbit)
times the maximum human dose based on body surface area (mg/m²). There are no
adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. ProAmatine® should be
used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential
risk to the fetus. No teratogenic effects have been observed in studies in rats
and rabbits.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human
milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be
exercised when ProAmatine® is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not
been established.