Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Aldomet

Generic Name: methyldopa (Pronunciation: METH il DOE pa)

• What is methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What are the possible side effects of methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• How should I take methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aldomet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aldomet)?
• What should I avoid while taking methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What other drugs will affect methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is methyldopa (Aldomet)?

Methyldopa lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax (widen) and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.

Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Methyldopa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Methyldopa 250 mg-END

round, yellow, imprinted with WPPH, 152

Methyldopa 250 mg-MYL

round, beige, imprinted with 611, MYLAN

Methyldopa 250 mg-ZEN

round, white, imprinted with Z 2931

Methyldopa 500 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with Z 2932

Methyldopa 500 mg-MYL

oblong, beige, imprinted with 421, MYLAN

What are the possible side effects of methyldopa (Aldomet)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methyldopa and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• a very slow heart rate (fewer than 60 beats per minute);
• unusually high or low blood pressure (fainting, a severe headache, flushing of your face);
• chest pain;
• uncontrollable movements of your arms, legs, or facial muscles;
• yellowing of your skin or eyes; or
• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methyldopa and talk to your doctor if you experience

• unusual fatigue, dizziness, or tiredness;
• headache;
• constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• insomnia; or
• dry mouth (sucking on ice chips or sugarless hard candy may relieve this side effect).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa (Aldomet)?

Do not stop taking methyldopa suddenly. This could cause severely high blood pressure, nervousness, and anxiety.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methyldopa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position, especially first thing in the morning. You may become dizzy while taking methyldopa and you may fall and injure yourself if you get up quickly.