Methyldopa

Brands

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Aldomet

  • Alpha2 Agonists, Central-Acting
Oral/parenteral antihypertensive; analog of 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)
Used most commonly for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy
Less well tolerated in other patient populations; other antihypertensive classes have better tolerability for long-term treatment

Indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

For the treatment of hypertensive emergency or hypertensive urgency.

Active liver disease, liver disorders associated with previous methyldopa treatment

Hypersensitivity to methyldopa or other ingredients (eg, sulfites)

Pheochromocytoma

Concomitant MAOIs

Angina

Bradycardia

Orthostatic hypotension

Depression

Dizziness

Lethargy

Sedation

Rash

Gynecomastia

Impotence

Dry mouth

Nausea

Vomiting

Hemolytic anemia

Thrombocytopenia

Liver toxicity

Arthralgia

Autoimmune disease

Lupus-like syndrome

CHF, dialysis patients (increased risk of hypertension following procedure), edema, hemolytic anemia, hypotension, severe bilateral CVD, history of liver disease

Avoid abrupt withdrawal

Risk of decreased libido and impotence in men

May impair ability to perform hazardous tasks

Tolerance develops on prolonged treatment, especially if no concurrent diuretic (methyldopa causes Na and water retention)

Interferes with some lab tests

IM/SC NOT recommended due to erratic absorption

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: distributed in breast milk but not in clinically significant amounts; compatible w/ breastfeeding

Adults

3 g/day PO or 4 g/day IV.

Elderly

1 g/day PO or IV.

Adolescents

65 mg/kg/day or 3 g/day PO or IV, whichever is less.

Children

65 mg/kg/day or 3 g/day PO or IV, whichever is less.

Methyldopate hydrochloride

injectable solution

  • 50mg/mL

tablet

  • 250mg
  • 500mg
Drugs Generic
Tags ,

About the Author

postblaze

You may also like these

0