Methyldopa

Generic name: Methyldopa
Brand names: Aldomet
Dosage form: oral tablet (250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Methyldopa

Methyldopa lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax (widen).

Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Methyldopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Methyldopa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methyldopa may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

uncontrolled or involuntary muscle movements;

heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of methyldopa may include:

drowsiness;

weakness; or

headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Methyldopa

You should not use methyldopa if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

liver disease (especially cirrhosis); or

a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa.

Do not use methyldopa if you have used a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease;

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

heart disease, angina (chest pain); or

a heart attack or stroke.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether methyldopa will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications such as diabetes or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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How to use Methyldopa

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 250 mg orally 2-3 times a day or 250 to 500 mg IV over 30 to 60 minutes every 6 hours, up to a maximum of 3 g/day.Maintenance dose: 500 mg to 2 g orally divided in 2 to 4 doses, up to a maximum of 3 g/day.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertensive Emergency:

250 to 500 mg IV over 30 to 60 minutes every 6 hours up to a maximum of 1 g every 6 hours or 4 g/day. Switch to the oral route at the same dosage once blood pressure is under control.

Warnings

You should not use methyldopa if you have liver disease (especially cirrhosis), or a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa.

Do not use methyldopa if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What other drugs will affect Methyldopa

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, or other medicine that contains iron;

lithium; or

any other blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methyldopa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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