Aldomet (Methyldopa) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

Pill Identifier Search

May 23, 2012

Aldomet

Raynaud's Phenomenon »

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a condition resulting in a particular series of discolorations of the fingers and/or the toes after exposure to changes in temperature (cold or hot) or emotional events. Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. Initially, the digit(s) involved turn white because of the diminished blood supply. The digit(s) then turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a local "flushing" phenomenon, which turns the digit(s) red. This three-phase color sequence (white to blue to red), most often upon exposure to cold temperature, is characteristic of RP.

Raynaud's phenomenon most frequently affects women, especially in the second, third, or fourth decades of life. People can have Raynauds phenomenon alone or as a part of other rheumatic diseases. When it occurs alone...

Read the Raynaud's Phenomenon article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Aldomet User Reviews >>

Aldomet

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow

Take the Salt Quiz!

Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

font size

Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

OVERDOSE

Acute overdosage may produce acute hypotension with other responses attributable to brain and gastrointestinal malfunction (excessive sedation, weakness, bradycardia, dizziness, lightheadedness, constipation, distention, flatus, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting).

In the event of overdosage, symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed. When ingestion is recent, gastric lavage or emesis may reduce absorption. When ingestion has been earlier, infusions may be helpful to promote urinary excretion. Otherwise, management includes special attention to cardiac rate and output, blood volume, electrolyte balance, paralytic ileus, urinary function and cerebral activity.

Sympathomimetic drugs [e.g., levarterenol, epinephrine, ARAMINE^* (Metaraminol Bitartrate)] may be indicated. Methyldopa is dialyzable.

The oral LD₅₀ of methyldopa is greater than 1.5 g/kg in both the mouse and the rat.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ALDOMET (methyldopa) is contraindicated in patients:

— with active hepatic disease, such as acute hepatitis and active cirrhosis

— with liver disorders previously associated with methyldopa therapy (see WARNINGS) † with hypersensitivity to any component of these products.

— on therapy with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/31/2005
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.