Aldomet (Methyldopa) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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.)

Aldomet Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methyldopa (Aldomet)?

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

have any type of heart disease,
have had a heart attack or a stroke, or
have kidney disease.

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.

How should I take methyldopa (Aldomet)?

Take methyldopa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of methyldopa with a special dose-measuring spoon, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly even if you feel better. You may need to take methyldopa for the rest of your life to control your condition.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related Drug Centers