$Unique_ID{BRK02027}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{METHYLDOPA}
$Subject{Aldomet (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
methyldopa (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


METHYLDOPA
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Aldomet (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
     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.  In order to become accustomed to taking
this medication, 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 side effects that are persistent or
particularly 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 methotrimeprazine 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, tell your doctor
or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * 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.

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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.
