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METHYLDOPA (meth ill DOE pa) treats high blood pressure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.
Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine also may interact with the following medications:
-iron salts
-lithium
-medicines for high blood pressure
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her. If you get a fever, especially in the first few months, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Iron can stop the absorption of this medicine. Do not take this medicine with iron preparations or multiple vitamins containing iron. If you have to take iron, make sure that there are at least 2 hours between iron and methyldopa doses.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-black, sore tongue
-chest pain
-dark yellow or brown urine
-depression
-difficulty sleeping, nightmares
-fever (usually within the first 3 months of treatment)
-slow heartbeat
-stomach pain
-swelling of the feet or legs
-unusually weak or tired
-yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-abnormal production of milk in females
-breast enlargement in both males and females
-change in sex drive or performance
-diarrhea
-headache
-nausea, vomiting
-numbness or tingling in hands or feet
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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