Methyldopa

Methyldopa is a prescription-only medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults, including pregnant women when clinically appropriate. This medication is classified as a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. This medication works by reducing nerve signals from the brain that tighten blood vessels, allowing the blood vessels to relax & lowering blood pressure.

Methyldopa should only be used under the supervision of a qualified provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. When prescribed, patients may also consider buying Methyldopa from Canadian pharmacies to obtain it at a more affordable price without compromising quality.

Methyldopa is available in FDA‑approved strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg. A 125 mg tablet formulation, available by prescription in various international markets, such as the United Kingdom, and listed on the Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). This strength is often used for hypertension management, particularly in elderly patients or for tailored dosing.

Methyldopa is FDA-approved for the treatment of:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults
• Chronic hypertension in pregnancy
• Blood pressure control when other antihypertensive agents are not suitable

Methyldopa is a prescription antihypertensive medication that must be taken exactly as directed by your provider. Because this medication carries important warnings, precautions, and contraindications, patients should always consult their doctor. Below are key safety considerations you should be aware of while using Methyldopa (Aldomet):

What to Avoid When Taking Methyldopa?

• Do not stop taking these tablets suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may cause blood pressure to rise again.
• Avoid alcohol, as it may increase lightheadedness, drowsiness, or dizziness.
• Use caution when driving or operating any heavy machinery, especially when starting treatment, as Methyldopa can cause sedation.
• Avoid iron supplements or iron-containing products within 2 hours of dosing unless advised, as they may reduce Methyldopa absorption.
• Avoid taking other blood pressure medications or sedatives unless approved by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid those activities that require alertness until you know how Methyldopa affects you.

What Are the Contraindications of Methyldopa?

Methyldopa should not be used in patients who:

• Have active liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis) or liver disorders previously caused by Methyldopa
• Have a history of Methyldopa-associated liver dysfunction
• Have a history of Methyldopa-induced hemolytic anemia or direct Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia
• Are allergic to Methyldopa or any component of the formulation
• Are currently receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Have a history of severe depression (use with caution)

Methyldopa Precautions

• Methyldopa may cause hemolytic anemia, including Coombs-positive anemia. Blood counts may need monitoring.
• It can cause liver injury (hepatitis, jaundice); baseline and periodic liver function tests are recommended.
• May cause fluid retention (edema) or weight gain, so use caution if you have heart failure or significant cardiovascular disease.
• This medication can cause orthostatic hypotension, particularly in elderly patients, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• May worsen depression in susceptible patients.
• Interferes with certain lab tests, including urine catecholamine tests and liver enzyme tests.
• Dialysis may remove Methyldopa, potentially affecting blood pressure control. Blood pressure should be monitored after dialysis sessions.
• Use wth caution if you have pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-secreting tumors.

Stopping Methyldopa tablets without medical advice may result in:

• Rise in blood pressure
• Increased risk of headache, dizziness, or cardiovascular complications

If Methyldopa needs to be discontinued, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose or switch you to another antihypertensive medication to maintain blood pressure control safely.

Methyldopa may cause a range of side effects that vary in severity from mild and temporary to rare but serious reactions. This is not a complete list. If any unusual side effects are severe, persistent, or worsening, contact your doctor immediately rather than waiting for them to go away.

According to FDA labeling, the duration of Methyldopa side effects varies:

• Common side effects often appear at the start of therapy and may improve or resolve as the body adjusts over days to weeks.
• Serious side effects can occur after weeks to months of treatment and may persist until the drug is discontinued and managed medically.
• Monitoring of blood pressure, liver function, and blood counts is recommended during ongoing therapy to detect side effects early.

Methyldopa lowers blood pressure by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity in the brain. After oral administration, Methyldopa is taken up by adrenergic neurons in the central nervous system and converted into its active metabolite, α-methylnorepinephrine. This metabolite acts as a central α₂-adrenergic receptor agonist, primarily in the brainstem. Activation of these α₂ receptors leads to:

• Reduced peripheral vascular resistance
• Decreased sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system
• Lower heart rate and blood pressure

As a result, Methyldopa decreases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with minimal effect on cardiac output or renal blood flow.

• You may take it with or without food. Taking the tablets with food might help reduce stomach upset.
• Take the tablets at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
• Do not chew or crush unless advised by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.

If you miss a dose of Methyldopa tablets, take them as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next one, just skip the missed Methyldopa dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Taking more Methyldopa for hypertension than prescribed may lead to overdose symptoms, which are primarily related to excessive lowering of blood pressure and central nervous system effects. Methyldopa overdose symptoms may include:

• Severe sedation or extreme drowsiness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Weakness or lethargy

There is no specific antidote for methyldopa overdose. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, with close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and vital signs. If a Methyldopa overdose is suspected, seek medical attention or contact the poison control center.

Methyldopa dosage must be individualized and prescribed by a healthcare provider. FDA-approved strengths include 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, while 125 mg tablets are available in some international markets. Below are the general dosage guidelines for this medication:

• Store the tablets at room temperature (20°C-25°C or 68°F-77°F).
• Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Do not store Methyldopa in bathrooms or kitchens, as these areas are often humid.
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze unless specifically instructed by a pharmacist.
• Always check the expiry date before use and discard expired tablets safely.
• Store in a secure place out of reach of children and pets.

Methyldopa and Amlodipine are both effective medications for treating high blood pressure, but they work in different ways and are used in different clinical situations. The table below highlights the key differences between Methyldopa and Amlodipine:

Which is better?

• For pregnant patients, Methyldopa is often preferred.
• For most adults, Amlodipine is considered more effective and convenient as a long‑term therapy.
• Neither drug is universally ‘better’; your doctor will prescribe as per your specific needs.

Methyldopa can interact with certain medications, which may reduce its effectiveness. Patients should inform their provider about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and supplements they are taking before starting Methyldopa.

If Methyldopa is unsuitable or unavailable, the following alternatives may be considered under medical supervision:

When you buy Methyldopa online, the cost of treatment in the U.S. may be your concern. High Methyldopa prices at local pharmacies may make long-term blood pressure management difficult for many patients. That’s why so many people choose to buy Methyldopa online from Polar Bear Meds.

Polar Bear Meds helps make treatment more affordable by offering Methyldopa at up to 80% lower cost than U.S. pharmacies, without compromising safety or quality. Methyldopa is sourced from licensed Canadian and international pharmacies and is dispensed only with a valid prescription, ensuring proper use for the treatment of hypertension.

New customers may save even more by using the Methyldopa coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive an additional 10% off their first order. Orders are shipped through secure and reliable delivery services, making it convenient and stress-free to access your prescribed medication from the comfort of your home.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551671/
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/13400s086lbl.pdf
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682242.html
• https://reference.medscape.com/drug/aldomet-methyldopa-342385
  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18028-methyldopa-tablets
• https://www.drugs.com/mtm/methyldopa.html
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13110/smpc#gref