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Methyldopa

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Aldomet

Methyldopa - What is it for

​Methyldopa is used to control high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels to allow blood to pass through more easily.

Methyldopa - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Methyldopa cause?

Most side effects from methyldopa should get better over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away or bother  you. Such side effects include:

  • Dizziness and light-headedness
    • This may occur especially when you change positions from a lying to sitting position or from a sitting to standing position.  You can prevent this by getting up slowly or changing positions slowly. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
  • Drowsiness
    • Be careful when driving or operating machinery as this medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not take alcohol or other medications that make you less alert.
  • Headache and stuffy nose

Inform your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

  • Persistent swelling of ankles or feet, breathlessness or sudden unexplained weight gain
  • Decreased sexual desire or ability
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Changes in your mood
  • Chest pain or slowed heart rate

Very rarely, methyldopa may cause blood or liver problems. Stop this medication and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • Liver injury - Dark brown urine, light coloured stools (pale grey/ clay coloured), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Low white blood cell counts – signs of infection like unexplained fever, chills or sore throat

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Methyldopa , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients in this medication
  • You are breastfeeding
  • You have liver or kidney problems
  • You have a condition called Pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland) or Paraganglioma (tumour near the adrenal gland)
  • You have a blood problem called Haemolytic anaemia or Porphyria
  • You are taking any iron products by mouth
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Methyldopa ?

Some medications may interact with methyldopa and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

  • Specific medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which is used to treat: Parkinson's disease (e.g. selegiline, rasagiline) or Depression (e.g. moclobemide)

You should take iron products at least two hours before or after methyldopa as taking them together might decrease the absorption of methyldopa into your body.

Methyldopa - Dosage and How to Use

How should Methyldopa be used?

  • You may take this medication with or without food.
  • Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Methyldopa - Handling

How should I handle Methyldopa safely?

Methyldopa - Storage

How should I store Methyldopa ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Methyldopa safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Methyldopa - Additional Information

  • Updated on 4/30/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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