Methyldopa is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) especially treat high blood pressure in pregnancy. Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Show
What is methyldopa?
DoseIn Aotearoa New Zealand methyldopa is available as 250 mg tablets.
How to take methyldopa
Precautions before taking methyldopa
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you take methyldopa. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care. Precautions when taking methyldopaMethyldopa can interact with some medications. These include anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren Rapid), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen) or naproxen (e.g. Naprogesic). Methyldops can also interact with some herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new products. What are the side effects of methyldopa?Like all medicines, methyldopa can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often unwanted side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
Learn moreThe following links provide further information on finasteride. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from Aotearoa New Zealand recommendations. Methyldopa Mylan Tablet Methyldopa NZ Formulary Methyldopa Best use of medicines in pregnancy (BUMPS), UK. ReferencesMethyldopa NZ Formulary
ResourcesTe reo resourcesThe Māori Pharmacists’ Association Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā has a free phone line to answer questions whānau have about their medicines. Call 0800 664 688. Note: This is a non-urgent service and they will get back to you within 24 hours. Brochures
Related topicsHigh blood pressureHigh blood pressure in pregnancyWhat is the action of methyldopa?Methyldopa works by controlling impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, it relaxes blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure. Methyldopa is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What is the most common adverse effect of methyldopa?The more common side effects that can occur with methyldopa include: drowsiness. headache. lack of energy.
What are the contraindications of methyldopa?Methyldopa is contraindicated in patients: with active hepatic disease, such as acute hepatitis and active cirrhosis. with liver disorders previously associated with methyldopa therapy (see WARNINGS). with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
Does methyldopa cause rebound hypertension?Methyldopa's adverse effects include sedation and drowsiness, dry mouth, depression, postural hypotension, fluid retention, rebound hypertension, withdrawal syndrome, and various autoimmune reactions including flulike high fever, hepatitis, Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia, and lupuslike syndrome.
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