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What is Northera
DroxidopaThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDroxidopa is a medication used to treat Parkinsonism. It is approved for use in Japan and is being tested in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. It works by increasing the amount of noradrenaline in the body and is used to treat orthostatic hypotension. If the clinical trials are successful, Droxidopa could be approved for the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in 2011. It has also been granted orphan drug status (ODS) to treat Parkinson's disease and other related conditions.
Northerais the brand name
Northera Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Northera
Droxidopa
2014
57
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Droxidopa, also called Northera, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses like Shy-Drager Syndrome and Dopamine-beta-monooxygenase .Shy-Drager Syndrome
Dopamine-beta-monooxygenase
Parkinson's Disease
Symptomatic Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH)
Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
Effectiveness
How Northera Affects PatientsDroxidopa is a medication taken by mouth that helps to increase the amount of norepinephrine in the body for those with Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH). This can help to improve blood pressure when standing and reduce symptoms such as feeling lightheaded, dizziness, blurry vision, and fainting. It does this by increasing the heart rate and causing an increase in blood pressure.
How Northera works in the bodyDroxidopa enters the brain, where it is converted into a molecule called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine works on different types of receptors in the body to constrict blood vessels and stimulate the heart. It also works to widen arteries.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dose of Northera is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Shy-Drager Syndrome, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy. The magnitude of dosage is contingent upon the delivery approach laid out in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Parkinson's Disease
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Shy-Drager Syndrome
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Dopamine-beta-monooxygenase
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Symptomatic Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH)
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Northera.Common Northera Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Droxidopa.
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Droxidopa.
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Droxidopa.
Acebutolol
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Acebutolol can be increased when used in combination with Droxidopa.
Amphetamine
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Amphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Droxidopa.
Northera Toxicity & Overdose RiskDroxidopa exhibits low toxicity, with the highest dose of the drug causing no deaths in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys. A small percentage of patients (0.78%) may experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and loss of appetite.
Northera Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Northera?
Currently, 46 clinical trials are being conducted to investigate the potential of Northera for alleviating Dopamine-beta-monooxygenase Deficiency, Parkinson's Disease and Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Parkinson's Disease
46 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Dopamine-beta-monooxygenase
0 Actively Recruiting
Symptomatic Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Shy-Drager Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Northera Reviews: What are patients saying about Northera?
5Patient Review
9/11/2016 I was struggling with my adrenal gland after chemotherapy a few years ago, but this treatment completely changed things for me. I've been on Northera for over two weeks and I feel incredible. Not only do I have more energy than ever before, but my orthostatic blood pressure is now normal!
4Patient Review
6/16/2017 I've been using Northera for 18 months now, and it's been a huge help. Prior to taking this medication, I was passing out 3-4 times a day. But since starting on Northera, that problem has completely stopped. However, several months ago my mild headaches turned into daily migraines that come with vomiting. So now I'm in the process of weaning myself off the medication. I just hope that the passing out doesn't come back!
4Patient Review
3/14/2015 The stiffness in my muscles is really debilitating. I feel achy and sore all the time. It's hard to do simple things like get up off the floor because it hurts so much.
3Patient Review
5/15/2015 I had to cut down the dosage because the highest amount gave me terrible headaches. It also made me feel nauseated and really tired. I'm considering going back to my previous medication because it at least helped with my energy levels, even though it didn't completely fix the problem.
2.7Patient Review
2/9/2015 So far, Northera has given me headaches and nausea. I'm supposed to be increasing my dosage each week until I reach 600 mg 3x/day, but the side effects are really bothering me. Hopefully they'll go away soon.
1Patient Review
3/24/2017 I'm an 18 year old female who was taking this for treatment of NCS, and very low blood pressure. I had been hoping this would help me. However, I could only take it for 2 days because the side effects were so awful. They included extreme headaches, chest discomfort, a doubled heart rate, and feeling even more exhausted than before. This unfortunately did not help at all.
Patient Q&A Section about northera
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of Northera?
"Those with POTS may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, high blood pressure, fatigue, falls, urinary tract infections, and fainting."
Answered by AI
What drug class is Northera?
"Northera is a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called alpha/beta agonists."
Answered by AI
Does Northera increase blood pressure?
"NORTHERA may cause high blood pressure when lying down, which could lead to strokes, heart attacks, and death. Taking your late afternoon dose of NORTHERA at least 3 hours before going to bed can help reduce this risk of supine hypertension."
Answered by AI
What is Northera prescribed for?
"This text is about a medication called Northera that is used to reduce dizziness and lightheadedness in adults who have symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) and who have Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, or dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency."
Answered by AI