methyldopa

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Brand names: Aldomet®, M Dopa™

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Methyldopa injection (below)
• Methyldopa Oral tablet
• Methyldopate Hydrochloride Solution for injection

Espa�ol:
• Inyección de metildopa
• Metildopa, Tableta oral
• Clorhidrato de Metildopa, Solución para inyección

Methyldopa injection

What is methyldopa injection?

METHYLDOPA (Aldomet®) is an antihypertensive. Methyldopa affects nerve centers in the brain that control blood vessels. As blood vessels relax, methyldopa relieves high blood pressure (hypertension). Methyldopa injection also treats high blood pressure emergency (hypertensive crisis). Generic methyldopa injections are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia
• depression or mental disorders
• heart or blood vessel disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• pheochromocytoma
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methyldopa, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Methyldopa is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with methyldopa?

• hawthorn
• iron salts
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicine for mental depression
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• some medications for Parkinson's disease, such as entacapone, levodopa or tolcapone
• tolbutamide
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking methyldopa?

As soon as your blood pressure is properly controlled your prescriber or health care professional may transfer you to either tablets or oral suspension.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how methyldopa affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

What side effects may I notice from receiving methyldopa?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain
• black, sore tongue
• dark yellow or brown urine
• depression
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• fever (usually within the first 3 months of treatment)
• slow heartbeat
• stomach pain
• swelling of the feet or legs
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• breast enlargement (men or women)
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• menstrual irregularity
• nausea, vomiting
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire or impotence)
• skin rash
• stuffy nose
• unusual breast milk production

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

An alpha stimulant (see sympathomimetic drugs) that acts centrally (on receptors in the brain). It is used in the treatment of all grades of hypertension, including hypertension during pregnancy. It is available as tablets on prescription only.

Side effects:
include sedation, headache, depression, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal upsets; rarely it can cause anaemia.

Precautions:
methyldopa should not be taken by people with depression or liver disease. Blood counts and liver function should be monitored before and during treatment.

Interactions with other drugs:

monoamine oxidase inhibitors these drugs should not be used with methyldopa.

Proprietary preparation:
Aldomet.

See also antihypertensive drugs.

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l-2-amino-2-methyl-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid; a compound used as an antihypertensive. It is a competitive inhibitor of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (dopa decarboxylase), but its effects on blood pressure may result from its metabolism to α-methylnorepinephrine, which stimulates presynaptic α₂ receptors, thus decreasing norepinephrine release



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