Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Aldomet (methyldopa) is an antihypertensive drug used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). The brand name Aldomet is discontinued in the U.S. Generic forms may be available. Common side effects of Aldomet include:
- dizziness,
- lightheadedness,
- drowsiness,
- headache,
- stuffy nose, and weakness, especially when starting this medication and when dosage is increased.
Other side effects of Aldomet include:
- weight gain,
- 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,
- missed menstrual periods, or
- breast swelling or discharge.
The usual starting dosage of methyldopa is 250 mg two or three times a day in the first 48 hours, and the maintenance dose is 500 mg to 2 g in two to four doses. Methyldopa may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), lithium, haloperidol, levodopa, tolbutamide, respiratory medicines, beta-blockers, phenothiazines, barbiturates, or tricyclic antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using methyldopa. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Our Aldomet (methyldopa) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
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.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same. See Answer
Get emergency medical help if you have 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 light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
- uncontrolled or involuntary muscle movements;
- heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
- signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- weakness; or
- headache.
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 entire detailed patient monograph for Aldomet (Methyldopa)
SLIDESHOW
How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise Tips See Slideshow
SIDE EFFECTS
Sedation, usually transient, may occur during the initial period of therapy or whenever the dose is increased. Headache, asthenia, or weakness may be noted as early and transient symptoms. However, significant adverse effects due to ALDOMET (methyldopa) have been infrequent and this agent usually is well tolerated.
The following adverse reactions have been reported and, within each category, are listed in order of decreasing severity.
Cardiovascular: Aggravation of angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, prolonged carotid sinus hypersensitivity, orthostatic hypotension (decrease daily dosage), edema or weight gain, bradycardia.
Digestive: Pancreatitis, colitis, vomiting, diarrhea, sialadenitis, sore or "black" tongue, nausea, constipation, distension, flatus, dryness of mouth.
Endocrine: Hyperprolactinemia.
Hematologic: Bone marrow depression, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia; positive tests for antinuclear antibody, LE cells, and rheumatoid factor, positive Coombs test.
Hepatic: Liver disorders including hepatitis, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests (see WARNINGS).
Hypersensitivity: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, lupus-like syndrome, drug-related fever, eosinophilia.
Nervous System/Psychiatric: Parkinsonism, Bell's palsy, decreased mental acuity, involuntary choreoathetotic movements, symptoms of cerebrovascular insufficiency, psychic disturbances including nightmares and reversible mild psychoses or depression, headache, sedation, asthenia or weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, paresthesias.
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, with or without joint swelling; myalgia.
Respiratory: Nasal stuffiness.
Skin: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, rash.
Urogenital: Amenorrhea, breast enlargement, gynecomastia, lactation, impotence, decreased libido.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Aldomet (Methyldopa)
Read the Aldomet User Reviews »
© Aldomet Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Aldomet Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.