$Unique_ID{BRK03228} $Pretitle{} $Title{methyldopa} $Subject{Aldomet Merck Sharp Dohme Amodopa Major Antihypertensive methyldopa high blood pressure central nervous system brain spinal cord} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. methyldopa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Aldomet (Merck Sharp & Dohme) Amodopa (Major) methyldopa (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Antihypertensive INGREDIENT methyldopa DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg) Oral suspension (250 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 1% alcohol) STORAGE Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. This drug should never be frozen. USES Methyldopa is used to treat high blood pressure. It is not clear exactly how methyldopa works, but it is thought to act on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to prevent the release of chemicals responsible for maintaining high blood pressure. TREATMENT In order to prevent stomach irritation, you can take methyldopa with food or a full glass of water or milk. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The oral suspension should be shaken well before each dose is measured. The contents tend to settle to the bottom of the bottle, so the bottle should be shaken to distribute the medication evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should then be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. Methyldopa does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you take it. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any effects that are persistent or bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about abdominal distention, blurred vision, breast enlargement (in both sexes), chest pain, confusion, decreased sexual ability, depression, difficulty in breathing, fainting, fatigue, fever, inflamed salivary glands, insomnia, nightmares, numbness or tingling, rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week), severe stomach cramps, sore joints, sore or "black" tongue, tremors, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual body movements, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Methyldopa interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. It can increase or decrease the antiparkinsonism effects of levodopa. 2. The use of a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within 14 days of methyldopa can cause headaches, severe hypertension, and hallucinations. 3. The combination of methyldopa and metho-trimeprazine can cause a severe drop in blood pressure; methyldopa and haloperidol can cause irritability; methyldopa and phenoxybenzamine can cause urinary retention; and methyldopa and alcohol can cause dizziness and fainting. 4. The effects of methyldopa may be increased by verapamil and fenfluramine. 5. Methyldopa can also increase the side effects of tolbutamide and lithium. 6. Methyldopa may increase the effects of norepinephrine and phenylpropanolamine, which may increase blood pressure. Before starting to take methyldopa, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to methyldopa. * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had anemia, angina, kidney disease, liver disease, mental depression, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. * In order to avoid dizziness or fainting while you are taking this medication, try not to stand for long periods of time; avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; and try not to get overheated (avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas). * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Before surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure that you tell your doctor or dentist you are taking this medication. * Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy, asthma, sinus, cough, cold, or diet product, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Some of these products can cause an increase in blood pressure. * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your doctor. If this drug is stopped abruptly, you could experience a sudden rise in blood pressure. Your doctor may, therefore, want to decrease your dosage gradually. * If you have an unexplained fever, especially during the first two or three weeks after starting to take this medication, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR. Fever can be a sign of a serious reaction to methyldopa. * Occasionally, during the second or third month of therapy, drug tolerance may develop. If you notice a decrease in effectiveness of methyldopa, contact your doctor. * Before donating blood or receiving a blood transfusion, be sure that the doctor knows you are taking this medication. It can cause changes in your blood cells. * Aldomet suspension contains sodium bisulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions (hives, itching, wheezing) in certain susceptible persons. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although this drug appears to be safe, extensive studies in women during pregnancy have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of methyldopa pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.