home > drugs a-z list > aldoril (methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide) drug center > aldoril (methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

"Water pills" (diuretics) like hydrochlorothiazide can cause large losses of body water and minerals (e.g., potassium, sodium). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice severe muscle cramping, weakness, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, difficulty concentrating), a decrease in the amount of urine, extreme thirst/dry mouth, fainting or seizure.

In rare cases, this medication may increase your level of a certain natural substance made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: swelling of ankles/feet, unexpected or rapid weight gain, unusual bruising/bleeding, involuntary movements, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), decrease in vision, eye pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.

This medication may rarely cause very serious (rarely fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately: dark urine, persistent vomiting/nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing skin/eyes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methyldopa with hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either of them; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney failure (inability to make urine), active liver disease (e.g., hepatitis or cirrhosis), history of liver disease caused by medication.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, low red blood count (e.g., hemolytic anemia), diabetes, a certain genetic condition (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), gout, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, stroke/transient ischemic attack, pheochromocytoma, Parkinson's disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, causing or worsening diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly. Report any increases in blood sugar to your doctor.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness and difficulty concentrating.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.