What is Methyldopa?
This drug lowers your blood pressure because it reduces the level of chemicals in your body. It allows the blood vessels to relax and widen. Hypertension is treated with methyldopa (high blood pressure). This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methyldopa.
Side effects of Methyldopa
Symptoms of an allergy reaction that require immediate medical intervention: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in lips, face, throat or tongue.
Methyldopa may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling dizzy and lightheaded could be a sure sign that your blood pressure has dropped suddenly and dangerously low.
- If you notice pale, yellowing skin or urine with a dark color, or if you feel confused or weak, this could be a sign of a fever or confusion.
- Uncontrolled muscle movements or unvoluntary muscular movements
- Heart conditions: swelling, rapid weight gain and shortness of breath.
- Rapid heart rate; dark urine.
Some of the common side effects associated with methyldopa include:
- Drowsiness;
- Weakness;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you are suffering from liver diseases, especially cirrhosis, or have a past history of liver issues caused by methyldopa use, then it is best to avoid using methyldopa. Use methyldopa only if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor in the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene green injection, rasagiline, or selegiline.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to methyldopa or have any of the following:
- Liver disease (especially cirrhosis)
- A history of liver damage caused by methyldopa
If you've used an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, do not take methyldopa. There could be a dangerous drug-drug interaction. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (selegiline), methylene-blue injection, rasagiline, and selegiline.
If you've ever:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease or dialysis (if applicable)
- Angina, or chest pain (angina), is a heart condition.
- A stroke or heart attack
Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant. Unknown is whether methyldopa can harm an unborn child. High blood pressure in pregnancy can cause serious complications, such as eclampsia or diabetes (high blood pressure, which is dangerous and may lead to health problems for both the mother and child). Treatment of hypertension can be beneficial to both the mother and the baby. Breast-feeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about possible risks.
How to take Methyldopa?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Your medication must be taken exactly as prescribed. Your blood pressure must be regularly checked. In addition, liver function tests may also need to be conducted periodically. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Inform all physicians treating you of your use of methyldopa. Inform those treating you of your medication usage as well. Tell your caregivers if you will need to undergo surgery or a transfusion. The dose of methyldopa is based on the weight of the child. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose requirements may be different. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: up to 3 g/day, 250mg orally or 500mg IV every six hours over 30 to 60 minutes.
Maintenance dose: Divide 500mg to 2g in two to four doses orally, with a maximum dose of 3g/day.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertensive Emergency:
You can take 250–500 mg intravenously every six hours for 30–60 minutes, up to 1 g per day or 4g in 6 hours. Once blood pressure has been controlled, switch to oral administration at the same dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for assistance quickly if you suspect or suspect poisoning by dialing the number 1-800-222-1222, or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include extreme sleepiness, nausea, slow heartbeats, or fainting.
What should be avoided?
You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take, including:
- Ferrous oxide or iron sulfate;
- Lithium;
- Any other blood pressure medication
The list below is not exhaustive. Other medications, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect methyldopa. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
