Brand Names: Aldoril 15, Aldoril 25, Aldoril D30, Aldoril D50

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa (Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and METH il DOE pa)

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

What is hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa (Aldoril)?

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.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

HCT-Methyldopa 15 mg-250 mg-MYL

round, green, imprinted with 507, MYLAN

HCTZ-Methyldopa 250 mg-25 mg-MYL

oblong, green, imprinted with 711, MYLAN

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa (Aldoril)?

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.

Stop using hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, slow heart rate, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions);
• numbness, drooping, or loss of movement in one side of your face;
• jerky or rolling muscle movements you cannot control;
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• fever, skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling;severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation;
• depressed mood, trouble concentrating;
• joint pain;
• muscle pain or weakness;
• restless feeling;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• soreness or black discoloration of your tongue;
• blurred vision; or
• impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

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 Aldoril (methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa (Aldoril)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa (Apresoline) or hydrochlorothiazide, if you are unable to urinate, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis), or a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa.

Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and 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 using hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), angina pectoris (chest pain), glaucoma, asthma, gout, lupus, diabetes, an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin, or if you have ever had a stroke.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other drugs that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

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.