- Brand Name : Aldomet
- Drug Class : Alpha2 Agonists, Central-Acting
- Medical Author : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
- Medical Reviewer :
- _eael_post_view_count : 12
What Is Methyldopa and How Does It Work?
Methyldopa is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of Hypertension, Hypertensive Crisis.
- Methyldopa is available under the following different brand names: Aldomet
What Are Dosages of Methyldopa?
Adult and Pediatric dosage
Injectable solution
- 50 mg/mL
Tablet
- 250mg
- 500mg
Hypertension
Adult dosage
- Initial: 250 mg orally every 8-12 hours for 2 days, increase every 2 days as needed
- Maintenance: 250-1000 mg/day divided every 6-12 hours orally, usually no more than 3 g/day
- IV (methyldopate): 250-1000 mg infusion over 30-60 minutes every 6-8 hours as needed, no more than 4 g/day
Pediatric dosage
- Neonate: 2.5-5 mg/kg orally or IV every 8 hours
- 10 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours orally, increase every 2 days as needed
Hypertensive Crisis
Adult dosage
- 20-40 mg/kg/day divided IV every 6 hours
- No more than 65 mg/kg/day or 3 g/day (whichever is less)
Pediatric dosage
- 20-40 mg/kg/day IV divided every 6 hours
- No more than 65 mg/kg/day or 3 g/day (whichever is less)
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See “Dosages”.
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Methyldopa?
Common side effects of Methyldopa include:
- drowsiness,
- weakness, and
- headache
Serious side effects of Methyldopa include:
- hives,
- difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
- lightheadedness,
- pale or yellowed skin,
- dark colored urine,
- fever,
- confusion,
- weakness,
- uncontrolled or involuntary muscle movements,
- swelling,
- rapid weight gain,
- shortness of breath,
- loss of appetite,
- upper stomach pain (that may spread to the back),
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- fast heart rate,
- dark urine, and
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Rare side effects of Methyldopa include:
- none
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.