Northera, also known by its drug name droxidopa, is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 to treat orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing up) in people with Parkinson’s disease. Here are some key points about Northera:

How It Works
- Mechanism: Northera Show Full Answer

Northera, also known by its drug name droxidopa, is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 to treat orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing up) in people with Parkinson’s disease. Here are some key points about Northera:

How It Works:
- Mechanism: Northera functions as a vasopressor or vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts blood vessels. It is classed as an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist and is believed to work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure.

Administration:
- Dosage: Northera is taken orally as a capsule three times a day, usually in the morning, at midday, and later in the afternoon.
- Instructions: Swallow Northera capsules whole without splitting or crushing them. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Northera.

Side Effects:
- Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
- Serious Side Effects: Supine hypertension (high blood pressure while lying down), which can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience stiff muscles, high fever, abnormal movements, or unusual thoughts and confusion.
- Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.

Precautions:
- Contraindications: Northera is not suitable for people who have previously shown hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to droxidopa, aspirin, or the dye FD&C yellow No. 5 (tartrazine).
- Caution: Use with caution in people with asthma, heart, or kidney problems, or a history of stroke. It may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more detailed information, you can visit the [Northera page on MyParkinsonsTeam](https://www.MyParkinsonsTeam.com/treatments/nor...).

 This AI-generated response comes from MyParkinsonsTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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