METHYLDOPA belongs to a class of medicines called anti-hypertensives used in managing and treating hypertension. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the arterial walls becomes so high. If it is left untreated, will lead to various heart conditions.
METHYLDOPA contains Methyldopa, a vasodilator. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily throughout the body. Thus, it treats blood pressure effectively.
METHYLDOPA should be taken as recommended by the doctor. Sometimes, it may cause common side effects such as headaches, muscle weakness, swollen ankles or feet, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, gas and dry mouth. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
Do not use METHYLDOPA if you have hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipients in METHYLDOPA. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is necessary to inform your doctor before using the METHYLDOPA. Before taking METHYLDOPA, tell your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential negative effects. Do not use this medication unless prescribed by the doctor.
Hypertension (mild, moderate or severe)
METHYLDOPA contains Methyldopa, an anti-hypertensive used to treat Hypertension (mild, moderate or severe). It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Thus it helps to treat or prevent many complications caused by high blood pressure.
Inform your doctor about all of your health issues, food sensitivities, and ongoing medicines before taking the METHYLDOPA. Do not use METHYLDOPA if you have hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipients in this medicine. You should not take METHYLDOPA if breastfeeding or pregnant unless a doctor has recommended it. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: active hepatic diseases, such as acute hepatitis and active cirrhosis; depression; being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); a catecholamine-secreting tumour, such as phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma; or porphyria (Disorders resulting from a build-up of certain chemicals related to red blood cell proteins).
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking antibacterial medications (e.g. furazolidone), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, isocarboxazid, rasagiline), anti-fungal medication (e.g. ketoconazole, levoketoconazole), antirheumatic drug (e.g. Leflunomide), cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. lomitapide, mipomersen), and chemotherapy medication (e.g. procarbazine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: METHYLDOPA may interact with various disease conditions, including liver, hepatic, depression, neuroblastoma (a catecholamine-secreting tumour), porphyria (Disorders resulting from a build-up of certain chemicals related to red blood cell proteins).
Avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with METHYLDOPA. The antihypertensive effect of methyldopa may be amplified when combined with alcohol.
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking METHYLDOPA. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing METHYLDOPA. It should be used under close medical supervision to treat hypertension during pregnancy.
Methyldopa appears in breast milk. The use of the drug in breastfeeding mothers requires that anticipated benefits be weighed against possible risks. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving METHYLDOPA. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
METHYLDOPA may cause sedation and sleepiness. Hence, do not drive or operate machines while on treatment with this medicine.
If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking METHYLDOPA. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking METHYLDOPA. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Limited information is available regarding the usage of METHYLDOPA in children, so please consult a doctor for more information.
Hypertension: Blood pressure is the measurement of the heart's force to pump blood to all parts of the body. Hypertension is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). High blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. Normal blood pressure lies between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg. If the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater, it is considered hypertension.