Brand Names: Aldomet

Generic Name: methyldopa (Pronunciation: METH il DOE pa)

• What is methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What are the possible side effects of methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• How should I take methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aldomet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aldomet)?
• What should I avoid while taking methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• What other drugs will affect methyldopa (Aldomet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is methyldopa (Aldomet)?

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.

Methyldopa 250 mg-END

round, yellow, imprinted with WPPH, 152

Methyldopa 250 mg-MYL

round, beige, imprinted with 611, MYLAN

Methyldopa 250 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with N 11

Methyldopa 250 mg-ZEN

round, white, imprinted with Z 2931

Methyldopa 500 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with Z 2932

Methyldopa 500 mg-MYL

oblong, beige, imprinted with 421, MYLAN

Methyldopa 500 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with N 77

What are the possible side effects of methyldopa (Aldomet)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• slow heart rate;
• pale or yellowed skin, fever, confusion or weakness;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
• muscle movements you cannot control.

Less serious side effects may include:

• weight gain;
• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
• headache;
• joint pain or swelling, muscle pain;
• dry mouth;
• vomiting, stomach pain;
• swollen or "black" tongue;
• constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas;
• depressed mood, unusual thoughts, nightmares;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• stuffy nose;
• missed menstrual periods; or
• breast swelling or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Aldomet (methyldopa) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa (Aldomet)?

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.