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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Methyldopa

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Methyldopa

  • Take methyldopa at the same times each day. It is usually taken two or three times a day.
  • Methyldopa may cause drowsiness.
  • Do not stop taking methyldopa without first discussing it with your doctor.

About methyldopa

Type of medicineAntihypertensive
Used forHigh blood pressure
Also calledAldomet®
Available asTablets

Methyldopa works by being converted in the body into a chemical that lowers blood pressure.

Many people with high blood pressure do not notice any signs of the problem. High blood pressure may however be damaging to the arteries and put a strain on the heart. By lowering the blood pressure, antihypertensives like methyldopa can reduce this risk. High blood pressure can also occur during pregnancy, although the reasons for this are not fully understood.

Methyldopa is the medicine of choice for treating high blood pressure in pregnancy as it is not harmful to a developing baby.

Before taking methyldopa

Before taking methyldopa make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver disease.
  • If you have, or have ever had, depression.
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), or porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take methyldopa

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take methyldopa exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take methyldopa at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Methyldopa is usually taken two or three times a day.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose that you are taking.
  • Do not stop taking methyldopa without first discussing it with your doctor.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Before having any medical tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by methyldopa.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can methyldopa cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, sleepiness, weaknessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid drinking alcohol as this will increase any drowsiness
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer

Important: If you experience fever, sudden chest pain or a skin rash, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay. These symptoms may be a sign of an allergic reaction to this medicine.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store methyldopa

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Aldomet®, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised August 2004, accessed 24 July 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3268		DocRef:
dils2165		Last Reviewed:
20 Oct 2008		Version:
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