Methyldopa

About Methyldopa

Methyldopa is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Your blood pressure will drop within days of taking methyldopa. Methyldopa is usually used in pregnant women, or if you other high blood pressure medicines are not suitable for you.

Talk to you doctor before taking methyldopa if you have depression.

How does Methyldopa work?

The blood vessels are tubes through which blood flows. These tubes can be controlled by the brain to flex and become tensed and narrow (increases blood pressure) or relax to widen (decreases blood pressure).

Methyldopa works on your blood vessels. Methyldopa is converted to another substance known as alpha-methylnoradrenaline in the body.

This substance then works in the brain to block messages from the brain that will cause the blood vessels to become tense and narrow.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Dizziness

  This is usually experienced in the first few days of starting or increasing your dose.

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Depression

• Difficulty sleeping

• Dark urine

Useful information

You must keep taking your medication if these symptoms become a bother. Inform your pharmacist or doctor and discuss management of your side effects.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking methyldopa.
• Alcohol can worsen sedative effect.
• You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to take any product containing iron(Fe). Iron can reduce the anti-hypertensive effect of methyldopa.
• Reduce smoking, salt, alcohol, and caffeine intake because they worsen high blood pressure (hypertension).

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Methyldopa can cause dizziness. You must not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or sleepy.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Methyldopa isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Methyldopa hasn’t been shown to affect fertility, sexual performance or contraceptives.

Useful information

Certain contraceptives are not recommended for high blood pressure patients. If you have hypertension, consult your doctor or pharmacist about taking contraceptives.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

You can safely use methyldopa when pregnant.

Methyldopa is present in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking methyldopa.