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Methyldopa Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Methyldopa 125mg, 250mg, 500mg; tabs.
Pharmacological Class
Central alpha agonist.
How Supplied
Tabs—100
Manufacturer
Methyldopa Indications
Indications
Hypertension.
Methyldopa Dosage and Administration
Adult
Initially 250mg 2–3 times daily; titrate at intervals of at least 2 days. Concomitant antihypertensives other than thiazides: initial max 500mg/day. Maintenance: 500mg–2g/day in 2–4 divided doses; max 3g/day.
Children
Initially 10mg/kg per day in 2–4 divided doses; max 65mg/kg or 3g daily (whichever is less).
Methyldopa Contraindications
Contraindications
Active hepatic disease. History of methyldopa-associated liver dysfunction. Concomitant MAOIs.
Methyldopa Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Methyldopa Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Hepatic or renal dysfunction. Pheochromocytoma. Severe cerebrovascular disease. Monitor blood and liver function. Discontinue if fever, jaundice, liver dysfunction, worsening edema or heart failure occurs. Surgery. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.
Methyldopa Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Methyldopa Interactions
Interactions
MAOIs: see Contraindications. Antagonized by oral iron preps: not recommended. May potentiate antihypertensives, general anesthetics, lithium. May interfere with lab tests.
Methyldopa Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Sedation, headache, asthenia, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, edema, GI upset, rash, nasal congestion, arthralgia, amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, gynecomastia, pancreatitis, impotence, decreased libido, CNS effects, eosinophilia, liver dysfunction, jaundice, (+) Coombs test, hemolytic anemia; rarely: fatal hepatic necrosis, blood dyscrasias.
Methyldopa Clinical Trials
See Literature
Methyldopa Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand name Aldomet.
Methyldopa Patient Counseling
See Literature
