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In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide (Aldoril)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you have:

• liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis);
• a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa;
• if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you are have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

Before using methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• angina pectoris (chest pain);
• asthma or allergies;
• gout;
• lupus;
• diabetes; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide (Aldoril)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. You may also need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.