Midodrine SCP, Midodrine ANS, Vasodrine

Midodrine is the rapidly absorbed prodrug of the pharmacologically active constituent desglymidodrine. Desglymidodrine is a sympathomimetic agent with a direct and selective effect on the peripheral alpha 1 (α1)-adrenergic receptors. This α1-stimulative effect induces vasoconstriction of the venous system (causing a reduction in venous pooling). The α1-adrenergic effects of desglymidodrine are almost wholly attributable to the (-) enantiomer of desglymidodrine. After taking midodrine, which is a racemic mixture, (+) desglymidodrine is also present, though this contributes almost nothing to the desired effect.Desglymidodrine increases the peripheral arterial resistance, resulting in an increase in arterial blood pressure. Nonclinical experiments showed that midodrine had a selective effect on blood flow in various vascular beds, with the most effect observed in the femoral artery, and least in the mesenteric artery. Only limited data is available on the long-term effects of taking midodrine. Stimulation of the α-adrenergic receptors of the bladder and the ureter increases the sphincter muscle tone. Desglymidodrine has no beta (β)-adrenergic effects.