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methyldopa - oral, Aldomet

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GENERIC NAME: METHYLDOPA - ORAL (METH-il-DOE-pa)

BRAND NAME(S): Aldomet

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. Methyldopa blocks certain natural chemicals (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine) that can raise your blood pressure.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Usually this medication is started at a low dose and increased slowly to the best dose for you. It may take several weeks for your doctor to determine the best dosage for controlling your blood pressure.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medication when you start or stop using other blood pressure medications.To avoid injury related to dizziness or fainting, take your first dose at bedtime. Also, anytime the dosage of this drug is changed, take your first new dose at bedtime.Learn how to monitor your blood pressure while taking this medication. This will help you and your doctor make sure the medication is working well.When this medication is used for an extended time, it may not work as well, and you may need a higher dose or a different medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your blood pressure readings increase).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nasal congestion, and weakness may occur, especially when you start this medication and when your dose is increased. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.In rare cases, this medication may increase your level of a certain natural substance made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missing/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: swelling of ankles/feet, unexpected or rapid weight gain, unusual bruising or bleeding, involuntary movements, joint/muscle aches, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression), signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately: persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.