Key result
Droxidopa effectively improves symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension as an FDA-approved therapy.
This review summarizes management strategies for orthostatic hypotension, with a focus on the role and efficacy of droxidopa.
Supports droxidopa for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension; leaves open need for comparative randomized trials.
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a significant decrease in blood pressure (BP) during the first 3 minutes of standing or a head up on a tilt table. Symptoms of OH are highly variable, ranging from mild light-headedness to recurrent syncope. OH occurs due to dysfunction of one or more components of various complex mechanisms that interplay closely to maintain BP in a normal range during various physiological and associated disease states. Various biochemical and electrophysiological studies are often undertaken to assess the severity and etiology of OH. In addition to the lifestyle modifications, various medications that stimulate the adrenergic receptors or increase central blood volume are used in patients with OH. Droxidopa is a newer agent that increases the levels of norepinephrine in postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Management strategies for OH are presented, including the mechanism of action of droxidopa and various studies performed to assess its efficacy.
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Sharma et al. (2015) conducted a review in Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Droxidopa was evaluated. Droxidopa, a synthetic amino acid precursor converted into norepinephrine, is an effective and FDA-approved pharmacological option for managing symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.
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