Low Blood Pressure Treatments

Adjusting Dosage or Type of Medication

When orthostatic hypotension is due to hypovolemia related to medications, an adjustment in the dosage or discontinuing the medication may be needed to reverse the condition.

Treating Dehydration

Orthostatic hypotension resulting from dehydration is treated with fluids and electrolyte (mainly sodium) replacement.

Minimizing Bedrest

If bedrest is the cause of orthostatic hypotension, symptoms of orthostatic hypotension may be improved by increasing time spent sitting up in bed.

Medications

A number of medications may be given to boost blood pressure, including:

• Fludrocortisone
• Midodrine
• Dihydroergotamine
• Ibuprofen
• Caffeine

Other Interventions

In some cases, individuals may be encouraged to increase their intake of salt. Fitted elastic stockings that go up to the waist may be worn. Individuals may need to be taught to rise from lying down, to sit up, and to stand in a slow and gradual fashion. Similarly, they should be discouraged from standing still for too long a time.