What is methyldopa?
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 not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa, or if you have liver disease (especially cirrhosis), or a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa.
Do not use methyldopa if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before you take methyldopa, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), heart disease, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack or stroke.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
If you need surgery or a blood transfusion, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are using methyldopa.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function may need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methyldopa?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa, or if you have:
Do not use methyldopa if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
To make sure you can safely take methyldopa, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
a history of liver disease;
heart disease, angina (chest pain); or
a history of heart attack or stroke.
FDA pregnancy category B. Methyldopa is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Methyldopa passes into breast milk. It is not known whether methyldopa will harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.