Methyldopa
Buy Methyldopa Online
Methyldopa is an antihypertensive medication approved by the FDA to manage hypertension. It functions by relaxing blood vessels & reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, aiding to reduce blood pressure levels effectively. It comes in tablet and injectable solution forms with varied strengths, typically taken twice or four times daily. For a safe and efficient use of the medication, you should consult an expert medical professional.
Product Overview
Methyldopa is an antihypertensive medication primarily used to manage high blood pressure. Its active ingredient relaxes blood vessels and reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, aiding to reduce blood pressure levels effectively. The medication is available in tablet forms of 250 mg and 500 mg and as an injectable solution of 50 mg/ml.
Patients are advised to take Methyldopa orally, two to four times daily, following the dosage prescribed by their healthcare provider. It is suitable for adult patients dealing with hypertension and should be taken consistently around the same time each day to maintain effective blood pressure control.
Common side effects of Methyldopa include drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. Patients should not use Methyldopa if they have severe liver or kidney disease or have recently taken MAO inhibitors. Keep the medication in a cool, dry place & ensure it is discarded properly to avoid misuse.
Uses of Methyldopa
It is used to treat:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Benefits of Methyldopa
- It can decrease the chance of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney conditions.
- It soothes the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow easily
Side Effects of Methyldopa
Common Methyldopa side effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Weakness
- Dizziness
[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Methyldopa Dosage
Forms & Strengths
It comes in the following forms and strengths:
Form: Injectable solution
Strength: 50 mg/ml
Form: Tablet
Strength: 250 mg, 500 mg
Recommended Dosages
High Blood Pressure
- First dosage: 250 mg taken orally two to three times a day, or 250 to 500 mg intravenously every six hours for 30 to 60 minutes, with a daily maximum of 3 g.
- Maintenance dose: up to 3 g/day, 500 mg to 2 g taken orally in 2 to 4 doses.
Hypertension Emergency
- Every six hours, administer 250–500 mg IV over 30–60 minutes, with a maximum of 1 g every six hours or 4 g/day. Once blood pressure is under control, switch to the oral route at the same dosage.
How to Take Methyldopa?
- Before using Methyldopa, you should carefully read and follow the instructions for use in the patient information leaflet and medication guide. If you do not understand any part of the leaflet or have any questions, ask your medical provider.
- You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor by mouth, typically two to four times every day in divided dosage. Do not take more or less of it, in large quantities, or more frequently than prescribed.
- It is important to mention that Methyldopa does not cure hypertension but helps control it.
- Swallow the Methyldopa tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
- The medication dosage is based on the medical condition and the patient’s response to treatment.
- To get the most out of your medication, you should maintain consistency in medication dosage and take it at the same time daily.
- Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Usually, patients with hypertension do not experience sickness.
- When used long-term, this medication may not work as well as it should and may require dosage adjustment or additional medicines.
- Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it worsens.
- Do not share your medication with others, even if they have the same condition as you.
Missed Dose
- Maintaining consistency in dosage and taking your medication at the same time each day will help you get the most out of it.
- If you have missed a dose of Methyldopa, take it as soon as you remember.
- However, if the time to take your next dose is almost here, you should omit the missed dose and continue taking your medication according to your medication dosage schedule.
- Consult a certified medical professional if you are still trying to decide when to take your next dose.
[Note: Do not take two doses of Methyldopa at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing unwanted side effects.]
Overdose
If someone has taken Methyldopa more than recommended, you should seek prompt medical attention. You can call your doctor, 911, or poison control helpline. You can also head to the nearest emergency room.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Methyldopa Work?
Methyldopa, sold under the brand name Aldomet, is a medication primarily used for treating hypertension. It belongs to the class of antihypertensives. The drug relaxes blood vessels, reduces vasoconstrictor adrenergic signals, and inhibits adrenergic neuronal outflow. Specifically, it acts on alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are found on the presynaptic nerve terminals. By stimulating these receptors, Methyldopa decreases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Methyldopamine’s S-enantiomer inhibits aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, an enzyme that changes L-DOPA into dopamine, in a competitive manner.
Important Safety Precautions
- Do not use Methyldopa if you have allergies to it, kidney disease, or liver disease, especially cirrhosis.
- Avoid Methyldopa if you’ve taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days due to serious drug interactions.
- Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, have had a heart attack or stroke, or are on dialysis.
- If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor whether the benefits of treating high blood pressure outweigh the potential risks to the baby.
- Breastfeeding while on Methyldopa may be risky; consult your doctor to discuss potential concerns.
- Methyldopa/hydrochlorothiazide is not a first-line treatment for high blood pressure. Your doctor will start you on each drug separately and adjust doses based on your response.
- This medication can disrupt sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels, especially if you’re dehydrated or taking other medications. Report symptoms like thirst, fatigue, confusion, or muscle cramps to your doctor.
- Long-term use may lead to hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are eradicated faster than they can be produced. Regular blood tests are required.
- Rare but serious liver problems can occur. Contact your physician if you notice dark urine, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or stomach pain.
- This medication can temporarily lower white blood cells, increasing infection risk, which usually resolves after stopping the drug.
- It may raise uric acid levels, worsening or causing gout.
- It can elevate blood sugar levels, so monitor closely if you have diabetes.
Storage
- Keep Methyldopa in its original container in a cool, dark & dry place, away from direct light, excess heat, and moisture.
- Keep all medications, including Methyldopa, in a secure place, away from the sight and reach of children and pets.
- Do not keep medications that are outdated or no longer needed. Discard them safely.
- With that said, do not pour it into wastewater, throw it into the trash, or flush it down the toilet.
- You should dispose of unwanted medications in such a way that prevents children, animals, and other people from consuming them.
- For more information on how to properly dispose of unwanted medications, consult your pharmacist, healthcare provider, or local waste disposal company.
Methyldopa Interactions
- Lithium
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Iron supplements
- Levodopa
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Oral contraceptives
- Phenytoin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Digoxin
- Haloperidol
- Alcohol
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]
Methyldopa Alternatives
- Labetalol
- Nifedipine
- Hydralazine
- Clonidine
- Furosemide
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Methyldopa alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Which class of drug is Methyldopa?
Methyldopa belongs to the class of medications known as central alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, specifically used for hypertension management.
Is Methyldopa a dopamine agonist?
No, Methyldopa is not a dopamine agonist. It is metabolized to alpha-methyl norepinephrine, which stimulates central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
Why is Methyldopa used in pregnancy?
Methyldopa is commonly used in pregnancy due to its long safety record and effectiveness in lowering blood pressure without significant risk to the fetus.
How does Methyldopa impact kidney function?
Methyldopa can be safely used in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. It helps manage blood pressure without substantially affecting renal function.
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