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EspañolMethyldopa overview
Generic Names:
Methyldopa
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent
Forms:
Tablet, Liquid
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Methyldopa used for?
Methyldopa is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Methyldopa belongs to a class of drugs called centrally acting antihypertensive agents. Methyldopa is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Aldomet. This drug has been available for years. In the treatment of hypertension, methyldopa use is less common than newer, safer drugs.
What form(s) does Methyldopa come in
Tablet
Liquid
What are common Methyldopa doses?
Tablet 250MG
Tablet 500MG
Common Methyldopa prescriptions
Methyldopa
250mg tabletMethyldopa
500mg tablet
How to take Methyldopa
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
Shake the oral liquid just before each use. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
Shake the oral liquid just before each use. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
What to do if you miss a dose of Methyldopa
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Methyldopa contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction or liver problems caused by methyldopa, or if you have active liver disease (especially hepatitis or cirrhosis). You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) in the past 14 days.
Methyldopa warnings
Yellow skin or eyes
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Unusual bleeding or bruising
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sudden or severe stomach pain
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Uncontrolled movements of the face, arms, or legs
If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), or a history of stroke or liver disease.
Methyldopa interactions
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using lithium, iron supplements, or any other blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, Accupril®, Altace®, Cardizem®, Cardura®, Hytrin®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Plendil®, Prinivil®, Tiazac®, Toprol®, Vasotec®, Zestril®).
If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Methyldopa side effects
Serious Side Effects
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Yellow skin or eyes
Uncontrolled movements of the face, arms, or legs
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Fever
Lightheadedness or fainting, slow heartbeat
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sudden or severe stomach pain
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
Less Serious Side Effects
Muscle or joint pain
Stuffy nose
Headache
Breast swelling or tenderness (in both men and women)
Stomach bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation
Changes in menstrual periods