Droxidopa Drug Information
Generic name: DROXIDOPA
Uses of Droxidopa
Droxidopa capsules indicated for the treatment of orthostatic dizziness, lightheadedness, or the “feeling that you are about to black out” in adult patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) caused by primary autonomic failure (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Effectiveness beyond 2 weeks of treatment has not been established. The continued effectiveness of droxidopa capsules should be assessed periodically.
Droxidopa capsules are indicated for the treatment of orthostatic dizziness, lightheadedness, or the “feeling that you are about to black out” in adult patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) caused by primary autonomic failure (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Effectiveness beyond 2 weeks of treatment has not been established. The continued effectiveness of droxidopa capsules should be assessed periodically.
Dosage & Administration of Droxidopa
- Starting dose is 100 mg three times during the day (2.1)
- Titrate by 100 mg three times daily, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg three times daily (2.1)
- Take consistently with or without food (2.1)
- To reduce the potential for supine hypertension, elevate the head of the bed and give the last dose at least 3 hours prior to bedtime (2.1)
- Take droxidopa capsule whole (2.1) 2.1 Dosing Information The recommended starting dose of droxidopa capsules is 100 mg, taken orally three times daily: upon arising in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon at least 3 hours prior to bedtime (to reduce the potential for supine hypertension during sleep). Administer droxidopa capsules consistently, either with food or without food. Take droxidopa capsule whole. Titrate to symptomatic response, in increments of 100 mg three times daily every 24 to 48 hours up to a maximum dose of 600 mg three times daily (i.e., a maximum total daily dose of 1,800 mg). Monitor supine blood pressure prior to initiating droxidopa capsules and after increasing the dose. Patients who miss a dose of droxidopa capsules should take their next scheduled dose.
Side Effects of Droxidopa
- The following adverse reactions with droxidopa are included in more detail in the Warnings and Precautions section of the label:
- Supine Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
- Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
- May exacerbate existing ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] The most common adverse reactions (>5% and ≥3% compared to placebo) are headache, dizziness, nausea, and hypertension (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Slate Run Pharmaceuticals, LCC at 1-888-341-9214 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety evaluation of droxidopa is based on two placebo-controlled studies 1 to 2 weeks in duration (Studies 301 and 302), one 8-week placebo-controlled study (Study 306), and two long-term, open-label extension studies (Studies 303 and 304). In the placebo-controlled studies, a total of 485 patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, or non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy were randomized and treated, 245 with droxidopa and 240 with placebo [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Placebo-Controlled Experience The most commonly observed adverse reactions (those occurring at an incidence of greater than 5% in the droxidopa group and with at least a 3% greater incidence in the droxidopa group than in the placebo group) in droxidopa-treated patients during the three placebo-controlled trials were headache, dizziness, nausea, and hypertension. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation from droxidopa were hypertension or increased blood pressure and nausea. Table 1. Most Common Adverse Reactions Occurring More Frequently in the Droxidopa Group Study 301 and Study 302 (1 to 2 Weeks Randomized Treatment) Study 306 (8 to 10 Weeks Randomized Treatment) Placebo (N=132) n (%) Droxidopa (N=131) n (%) Placebo (N=108) n (%) Droxidopa (N=114) n (%) Headache 4 (3.0) 8 (6.1) 8 (7.4) 15 (13.2) Dizziness 2 (1.5) 5 (3.8) 5 (4.6) 11 (9.6) Nausea 2 (1.5) 2 (1.5) 5 (4.6) 10 (8.8) Hypertension 0 2 (1.5) 1 (0.9) 8 (7.0) Note: n=number of patients. Adverse reactions that were reported in greater than 5% of patients in the droxidopa group and with at least a 3% greater incidence in the droxidopa group than in the placebo group were from Study 306. Long-Term, Open-Label Trials with Droxidopa In the long-term, open-label extension studies, a total of 422 patients, mean age 65 years, were treated with droxidopa for a mean total exposure of approximately one year. The commonly reported adverse events were falls (24%), urinary tract infections (15%), headache (13%), syncope (13%), and dizziness (10%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of droxidopa. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac Disorders : Chest pain Eye Disorders : Blurred vision Gastrointestinal Disorders : Pancreatitis, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions : Fatigue Nervous System Disorders : Cerebrovascular accident Psychiatric Disorders : Psychosis, hallucination, delirium, agitation, memory disorder
Warnings & Cautions for Droxidopa
- Droxidopa may cause supine hypertension and may increase cardiovascular risk if supine hypertension is not well-managed (5.1)
- Hyperpyrexia and confusion (5.2)
- May exacerbate symptoms in patients with existing ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure (5.3)
- Allergic reactions (5.4) 5.1 Supine Hypertension Droxidopa therapy may cause or exacerbate supine hypertension in patients with nOH. Patients should be advised to elevate the head of the bed when resting or sleeping. Monitor blood pressure, both in the supine position and in the recommended head-elevated sleeping position. Reduce or discontinue droxidopa if supine hypertension persists. If supine hypertension is not well-managed, droxidopa may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly stroke. 5.2 Hyperpyrexia and Confusion Postmarketing cases of a symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) have been reported with droxidopa use during postmarketing surveillance. Observe patients carefully when the dosage of droxidopa is changed or when concomitant levodopa is reduced abruptly or discontinued, especially if the patient is receiving neuroleptics. NMS is an uncommon but life-threatening syndrome characterized by fever or hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, involuntary movements, altered consciousness, and mental status changes. The early diagnosis of this condition is important for the appropriate management of these patients. 5.3 Ischemic Heart Disease, Arrhythmias, and Congestive Heart Failure Droxidopa may exacerbate existing ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Careful consideration should be given to this potential risk prior to initiating therapy in patients with these conditions. 5.4 Allergic Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, urticaria and rash have been reported in postmarketing experience. Some of these reactions resulted in emergency treatment. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue the drug and initiate appropriate therapy.
Drug Interactions with Droxidopa
Drugs that Increase Blood Pressure Administering droxidopa in combination with other agents
that increase blood pressure (e.g., norepinephrine, ephedrine, midodrine, and triptans) would be expected to increase the risk for supine hypertension.
Parkinson’s Medications Dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors may require dose adjustments for droxidopa. 7.3 Non-selective
MAO Inhibitors The concomitant use of selective MAO-B inhibitors, such as rasagiline or selegiline, was permitted in the droxidopa clinical trials. However, based on mechanism of action, the use of non-selective MAO inhibitors and linezolid should be avoided as there is a potential for increased blood pressure when taken with droxidopa.
Pregnancy Safety for Droxidopa
Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on use of droxidopa in pregnant women and risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Droxidopa did not produce significant reproductive toxicity in pregnant female rats or rabbits or in their fetuses. However, when pregnant female rats were dosed during days 7-17 of gestation (the period of fetal organogenesis) with doses of droxidopa corresponding to 0.3, 1 and 3 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 1,800 mg in a 60 kg patient, based on body surface area, and when their male and female offspring (who were exposed only during fetal life) were subsequently bred, the female offspring exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in the number of live fetuses across all three doses and an increased number of embryonic/fetal deaths at the two higher doses (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data During a multigenerational reproductive toxicity study in rats, pregnant females were dosed during days 7-17 of gestation (the period of fetal organogenesis) with doses of droxidopa corresponding to 0.3, 1 and 3 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 1,800 mg in a 60 kg patient. Reduced weight gain, renal lesions, and a small number of deaths were observed in females treated with the two higher doses.
When their male and female offspring (who were exposed to droxidopa only during fetal life) were subsequently bred, the female offspring exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in the number of live fetuses across all three doses and an increased number of embryonic/fetal deaths at the two higher doses.
Pediatric Use of Droxidopa
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of droxidopa in pediatric patients have not been established.
Contraindications for Droxidopa
Droxidopa is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. History of hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients
Overdosage Information for Droxidopa
Symptoms
There have been cases of overdose reported during postmarketing surveillance. A patient ingested 7,700 mg of droxidopa and experienced a hypertensive crisis that resolved promptly with treatment. Another patient treated with a total daily dose of 2,700 mg of droxidopa experienced hypertension and an intracranial hemorrhage.
Treatment
There is no known antidote for droxidopa overdosage. In case of an overdose that may result in an excessively high blood pressure, discontinue droxidopa and treat with appropriate symptomatic and supportive therapy. Counsel patients to remain in a standing or seated position until their blood pressure drops below an acceptable limit.
Clinical Studies of Droxidopa
Studies in Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Clinical studies (described below) examined the efficacy
of droxidopa in the short-term (1 to 2 weeks) and over longer-term periods (8 weeks; 3 months). Studies 301 and 306B showed a treatment effect of droxidopa at Week 1, but none of the studies demonstrated continued efficacy beyond 2 weeks of treatment. Study 306B was a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in patients with symptomatic nOH and Parkinson’s disease. Patients entering the study were required to have a decrease of at least 20 mm Hg or 10 mm Hg, respectively, in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, within 3 minutes after standing, as well as symptoms associated with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.
The study had an initial dose titration period that lasted up to 2 weeks in which patients received placebo or 100 to 600 mg of droxidopa three times daily, followed by an 8-week treatment period. Efficacy was measured using the OHSA Item #1 score (“dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, and feeling like you might black out”) at Week 1, in patients who had completed titration and 1 week of maintenance therapy. A total of 171 patients were enrolled, and 147 patients were included in the efficacy analysis.
The mean age was 72 years, and patients were mostly Caucasian. During the study, 94% of placebo-treated patients and 88% on droxidopa were taking dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors; 17% of placebo-treated patients and 26% on droxidopa were taking fludrocortisone. There were more premature discontinuations in the droxidopa group (28%) than in the placebo group (20%). In both groups, the mean baseline dizziness score was 5.1 on an 11-point scale.
At Week 1, patients showed a statistically significant mean 0.9 unit decrease in dizziness with droxidopa versus placebo (P=0.028), but the effect did not persist beyond Week 1. The data at all time points are shown in Figure 1. Patients receiving droxidopa also had a greater increase, compared to placebo, in the Week 1 lowest standing systolic blood pressure within 3 minutes after standing (5.6 mm Hg; P=0.032 ). Figure 1. Mean Change in OHSA Item 1 Score by Week in Study 306B Note: The graph is based on observed data only. The error bars are the 95% confidence interval of the mean change from baseline in OHSA Item 1 scores. Figure 2. Distribution of Patients by Change in OHSA Item 1, Baseline to Week 1, in Study 306B Figure 2 shows the distribution of changes from Baseline to Week 1 in the OHSA Item #1 score.
Overall, the figure shows that patients treated with droxidopa improved more than those treated with placebo. Study 301 was a multicenter, multinational, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in patients with symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. The study included an initial open-label dose titration period, a 7-day washout period, and a randomized double-blind 7-day treatment period.
To be eligible for enrollment, patients were required to have a decrease in systolic or diastolic blood pressure of at least 20 or 10 mm Hg, respectively, within 3 minutes after standing. The study was enriched, such that only patients who had been identified as “responders” during the titration period were randomized to droxidopa or placebo. To be considered a responder, a patient had to demonstrate improvement on the OHSA Item #1 score by at least 1 point, as well as an increase in systolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg post-standing, during the open-label dose titration period.
Patients who dropped out during the titration period because of side effects or other reasons were also not included in the double-blind portion of the study. Patients had a primary diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (n=60), pure autonomic failure (n=36), or multiple system atrophy (n=26). The mean age was 60 years, and most were Caucasian. 45% of patients were taking dopadecarboxylase inhibitors, and 29% were taking fludrocortisone. Efficacy was measured using the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), a patient-reported outcome that measures symptoms of nOH and their impact on the patient’s ability to perform daily activities that require standing and walking.
The OHQ includes OHSA Item #1 as one of several components. A statistically significant treatment effect was not demonstrated on OHQ (treatment effect of 0.4 unit, P =0.19). The mean baseline dizziness score on OHSA Item #1 (“dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, and feeling like you might black out”) was 5.2 units on an 11-point scale. At Week 1 of treatment, patients showed a mean 0.7 unit decrease in dizziness with droxidopa versus placebo ( P =0.06). Study 302 (n=101) was a placebo-controlled, 2-week randomized withdrawal study of droxidopa in patients with symptomatic nOH. Study 303 (n=75) was an extension of Studies 301 and 302, where patients received their titrated dose of droxidopa for 3 months and then entered a 2-week randomized withdrawal phase.
Neither study showed a statistically significant difference between treatment arms on its primary endpoint. Considering these data, the effectiveness of droxidopa beyond 2 weeks is uncertain, and patients should be evaluated periodically to determine whether droxidopa is continuing to provide a benefit. droxidopa-figure1 droxidopa-figure2
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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