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Medicines/Generics/Methyldopa

Methyldopa

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview
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.
Indications
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.
Contraindications
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.
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.
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 .
High Risk Groups
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 .
Adult Dosage
250 to 1000 mg (620 (625)) 8 hourly PO — Scraped Dose — Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your liver function may also need to be checked. Keep using methyldopa as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Methyldopa can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using methyldopa. If you need surgery or a blood transfusion , tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are using methyldopa. Methyldopa doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Child Dosage
5 to 0 mg/kg (2.5 (2.5)) 6 hourly Intra Venous — In 2-4 divided dose is 65 mg/kg,
Neonatal Dosage
5 to 10 mg/kg (7.5 (7.5)) 6 hourly Intra Venous — -
Drug Interactions
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.
Storage
Inj Store Below 30°C. Do not Freeze. Oral Susp Store in a well closed container, at room temperature, Below 25°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture. Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C.