Where is Methyldopa used?
Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Lowering your high blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. By decreasing the chemicals in your blood, allows your blood vessels to relax. This can be used alone or in combination with other medications for hypertension.
Methyldopa is a type of medicine that is called an alpha agonist. This medicine is a white to a yellowish-white, odorless fine powder and is soluble in water. This is supplied as tablets for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this treatment for hypertension.
How does Methyldopa work?
Methyldopa works by stimulating alpha-receptors in the brain. This causes the brain to send nerve signals to the blood vessels. It makes them widen and relax. The result of this is a lowering of blood pressure. This is usually only prescribed as an additional medication. It is for those whose blood pressure has not been dropped adequately with other medicines.
How is Methyldopa taken?
The recommended dose for this will depend on your condition and response to it. This is usually taken 2-3 times a day. This can be taken with or without food. Swallow it as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not stop the medication unless it is prescribed. Follow the dosing instructions promptly.
Remember to take each dose of your medication at the same time each day. It will help you take them regularly. If you missed a dose, contact your doctor for instructions. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. Your doctor may give you dietary advice about eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and not smoking. Continue to take this medicine until you are advised otherwise by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Methyldopa?
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Muscle spasms
- Dry mouth
What are the precautions in taking Methyldopa?
- This may make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving or using any machinery.
- Consult first your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women before using this drug.
- Inform your doctor if you have a medical history, current medication, or allergies.
- Do not use this drug if you have liver disease.
- If you are taking medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), this medication is not recommended for use. Taking this type of drug can cause your blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels.
- Do not take iron supplements if you take this medicine. Taking iron supplements may lessen the amount of Methyldopa in your body.
- Drinking alcohol while you are on treatment with this medicine is not recommended. It may increase the chance that you will experience side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness.
- Contact your doctor if you have experienced unusual things while taking this drug.
- Do not use this past the expiration date.
- Keep this away from the direct sunlight/heat.
- Keep this at a dry, clean place, and away from the reach of children.
