Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Fludrocortisone (generic, brand name Florinef no longer available) and midodrine (generic, brand name Proamatine no longer available) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid used to treat Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia by maintaining the balance of sodium, potassium, and water in your body. It is typically taken once daily and can cause side effects like high blood pressure and swelling. On the other hand, midodrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat orthostatic hypotension by tightening blood vessels to raise blood pressure. You need to take midodrine three times a day while upright, as it can dangerously raise blood pressure if taken while lying down. Unlike fludrocortisone, midodrine does not cause weight gain but can cause tingling sensations and goosebumps. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.
Fludrocortisone
Midodrine
Fludrocortisone
Midodrine
Summary of Fludrocortisone vs. Proamatine
Summary for Corticosteroid
Prescription only
Fludrocortisone acetate is a corticosteroid. It's used to treat conditions where the body doesn't make enough of certain hormones, such as Addison's disease, in adults. Fludrocortisone is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include high blood pressure and swelling from fluids. If you need to stop fludrocortisone, your provider will help lower your dose slowly over time to help avoid withdrawal symptoms. It's available as a lower-cost generic tablet.
Summary for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
Prescription only
Midodrine is used to treat symptoms of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure that happens when there's a change from a lying down or sitting position to a standing position). It belongs to a drug class that works by squeezing your blood vessels in order to raise your blood pressure. You should only take midodrine while you're upright because it can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels if you take it while lying down. Midodrine can cause side effects like tingling or pricking feeling and goosebumps. Midodrine is available as a generic; there's no brand-name version of this medication.