METHYLDOPA

Alpha2 Agonist, Central Acting Antihypertensive

Dosage Forms

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Tablet

250 mg

Uses

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  • Hypertension
  • Hypertension in pregnancy

Dose and Duration

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Hypertension

Adult: initially, 500–750 mg/day in 2–3 divided doses for 2 days. Increase if necessary by 250 mg every 2–3 days until the dose that causes the desired effect is reached. Do not exceed 3 g/day

Elderly: initially, 125 mg every 12 hours, increased gradually (max. 2 g)

Duration is according to clinical response

Contraindications

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  • Active or recent liver disease
  • Depression

Side Effects

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  • Dizziness when standing up quickly, drowsiness, Headache, insomnia
  • Oedema
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth
  • Depression

Interactions

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  • Amitriptyline: (increased lowering of blood pressure)

Patient Instructions

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  • Avoid standing up suddenly to minimise dizziness
  • Report immediately to the health worker in case any yellowing of skin or eyes or unexplained fever occur
  • May impair ability to perform skilled tasks, such as driving and operating machinery

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Safest antihypertensive to use in pregnancy
  • Do not stop treatment abruptly; reduce doses gradually
  • Reduce dose in patients with kidney disease
  • Stop treatment if haemolytic anaemia or jaundice appear during treatment