DOPS OD tablets 100 mg for improving nerve function (droxidopa, Northera)

What are DOPS OD tablets for improving nerve function?

The active principle of DOPS OD tablets is droxidopa, a synthetic amino acid precursor. It turns into the neurotransmitter L-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) within the human body, and unlike the noradrenaline itself droxidopa is capable to cross the blood-brain barrier. DOPS OD tablets increase the levels of norepinephrine in the peripheral nervous system and help the body to maintain blood flow upon and while standing, helping to treat various symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. 

Active principles: droxidopa

Amount: 100 tablets * 100 mg

Maker: Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan

Indications:

• Improve nerve function,
• improve gait abnormality and dizziness when standing up, caused by Parkinson's disease;
• improve orthostatic hypotension, fainting and dizziness on standing up caused by Shai-Drager syndrome or familial amyloid polyneuropathy;
• improve dizziness, vertigo, dizziness on standing up and feelings of tiredness occurring in hemodialysis patients with orthostatic hypotension.

How to take

For the improvement of freezing of gait, and dizziness on standing up caused by Parkinson disease: adults should start with 1 tablet (100 mg of the active ingredient) once a day. Increase the dose gradually by 1 tablet every other day up to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The standard maintenance daily dose is 2 tablets (200 mg) at a time, 3 times a day, but your doctor can always adjust the dosage according to your age and symptoms. The maximum dose of 9 tablets (900 mg) a day should not be exceeded.

For the improvement of orthostatic hypotension, faint, and dizziness on standing up caused by Shy-Drager syndrome or familial amyloid polyneuropathy: adults should start with 2-3 tablets, dividing into 2-3 times a day. Increase the dose gradually by 1 tablet a day every several to 7 days  up to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The standard maintenance daily dose is 1-2 tablets at a time, 3 times a day, but tyour doctor can always adjust the dosage according to your age and symptoms. The maximum dose of 9 tablets (900 mg) a day should not be exceeded.

For the improvement of dizziness, light-headed feelings, dizziness on standing up, lassitude, and feeling of weariness in hemodialysis patient with orthostatic hypotension: adults should take 2-4 tablets 30 to 60 minutes before receiving hemodialysis, but your doctor may reduce the dosage according to your age and symptoms. The maximum dose of 4 tablets at a time should not be exceeded. 

These tablets may be moistened with saliva on the tongue, then lightly squashed with the tongue, and swallowed with saliva. You can also take with water like usual medicines.

Contraindications: do not use for patients with glaucoma, ventricular tachycardia, or cocaine addiction; patients on dialysis who has peripheral vascular lesion such as diabetic gangrene; pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

Important information

If an allergic reaction occurs, patient needs to stop using the medicine and consult with their doctor. If patient is taking any other medication or treatment, they should consult with their doctor in advance.