Methyldopa

Methyldopa, sold under the brand name Aldomet among others, is a medication used for high blood pressure. It is one of the preferred treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy. For other types of high blood pressure including very high blood pressure resulting in symptoms other medications are typically preferred. It can be given by mouth or injection into a vein. Onset of effects is around 5 hours and they last about a day.

Common side effects include sleepiness.More severe side effects include red blood cell breakdown, liver problems, and allergic reactions. Methyldopa is in the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist family of medication.It works by stimulating the brain to decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

Methydopa was discovered in 1960. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.

Methyldopa is used in the clinical treatment of the following disorders:

Hypertension (or high blood pressure)

Gestational hypertension (or pregnancy-induced hypertension) and pre-eclampsia

Dosage:

Adults: The innitial dose of Methyldopa BP 250mg tablets is usually 250mg two to three times daily for two days. The dose may be increased at intervals of not less than two days by an additional 250-500mg daily until satisfactory control is achieved. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 3g. Methyldopa BP 250mg is mainly excreted by the kidneys therefore patients with renal dysfunction may respond well to lower doses. The requirement of Methyldopa BP 250mg may be reduced by giving a thiazide diuretic concurrently: downward adjustment of dosage should likewise be made at intervals of less than 48 hours, When patients are on other hypotensive agents and it is desired to change them over to Methyldopa BP 250mg, drug interactions must be carefully watched for When Methyldopa BP 250mg is given to patients on other antihypertensives the dose of these agents has to be adjusted to effect a smooth transition. Methyldopa BP 250mg may be used concurrently with Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide and beta-blocking agents. Elderly: The initial dose should not exceed 250mg daily. This should be increased slowly as required but not to exceed a maximum daily dose of 2g.