What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa?
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.
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 other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methyldopa?
You cannot take methyldopa if you have any type of
liver disease.
Do not take methyldopa if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or if you have
taken one in the last 14 days. MAOIs, used to treat depression, include isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment with
methyldopa if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Methyldopa is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an
unborn baby. Do not take methyldopa without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
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.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
methyldopa therapy. You may require a lower dose.
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