Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not a major sign of a problem but if you have symptoms of hypotension, your doctor can help identify the cause and treat the condition.
It is characterized by blood pressure that is below the normal expected for an individual in a given environment, according to Drugs.com.
Signs and symptoms of hypotension include dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when you abruptly stand up from a sitting or lying position – this condition is called postural hypotension.
There are other underlying medical conditions associated with low blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause and treat it accordingly.
Doctors look at medical history, age, symptoms, and the conditions under which the symptoms occurred, eventually conducting a physical exam and checking your blood pressure and pulse rate. Other diagnostic tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure heart rate and rhythm and an echocardiogram (an ultrasound test to visualize the heart), according to WebMD.
For most people, low blood pressure can be effectively treated with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, but some people may need medications, especially if the problem persists even after diet and lifestyle changes. Generic medicines for low blood pressure include:
- Fludrocortisone
(Florinef): It is a corticosteroid that seems to help most types of low
blood pressure. It promotes sodium retention by the kidney, causing fluid
retention and some swelling, which is necessary to improve blood pressure,
according to WebMD. Florinef is indicated for the treatment of adrenogenital
syndrome, postural hypotension, and adrenal insufficiency.
- Midodrine
(ProAmatine and Orvaten): It is a vasopressor or anti-hypotensive agent.
The U.S. FDA approved midodrine in 1996 for the treatment of orthostatic
hypotension. It activates receptors on the smallest arteries and veins to
produce an increase in blood pressure, per WebMD.
- Phenylephrine
(Biorphen): It belongs to the class of drugs called alpha agonists. It
primarily works as a decongestant. Phenylephrine also increases blood pressure.
- Droxidopa
(Northera): Belonging to a class of drugs called DOPA Decarboxylase
Inhibitors (DDCIs), droxidopa reduces dizziness and lightheadedness included by
low blood pressure. It treats neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Droxidopa is
available in a generic version.
- Ephedrine (Akovaz): Ephedrine is a medication and stimulant that is often used to prevent low blood pressure during certain types of anesthesia.
In healthy people, low blood pressure can go untreated, but when it causes shock or any other severe conditions, treatment is crucial.
