Methyldopa - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Methyldopa is a drug to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. If blood pressure is controlled, the risk of complications due to hypertension, such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disorders can be lowered.

Methyldopa works by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels so that blood can flow more smoothly. When blood flows smoothly, blood pressure will gradually decrease. Before and during treatment with methyldopa, your doctor may ask you to have regular blood tests.

Methyldopa trademark: Dopamet

What is Methyldopa

Warnings Before Taking Methyldopa

Methyldopa should not be used carelessly. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Do not take methyldopa if you have an allergy to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor medicines, such as phenelzine.
• Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, heart failure, pheochromocytoma, or certain genetic conditions, such as deficiency glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD).
• Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness, while you are taking methyldopa, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking methyldopa before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking methyldopa, see a doctor immediately.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Methyldopa

The dose of methyldopa can be different for each patient. The following are common doses of methyldopa in adult patients:

• Monotherapy/single therapy: Initial dose 250 mg, 2-3 times daily for 2 days. The dose can be increased every 2 days as needed. The maintenance dose is 500–2,000 mg per day. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.
• Combination therapy: The initial dose is divided into several consumption schedules and should not be more than 500 mg per day.

Meanwhile, below are the dosages of methyldopa for children and the elderly:

• kids age <12 years old

  The initial dose is 10 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 2-4 consumption schedules. The dose can be increased every 2 days, according to the body's response to the drug. The maximum dose is 65 mg/kg body weight per day or 3,000 mg per day.

• seniors

  The initial dose is 125 mg, 2 times a day. The dose increase is adjusted according to the body's response to the drug. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day.

How to Take Methyldopa Correctly

Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the drug packaging, in taking methyldopa. Take medication according to the prescription given by the doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dose without a doctor's advice.

Consumption of drugs can be done before or after eating. To control blood pressure, doctors will also advise patients to avoid foods that contain a lot of salt (sodium / sodium).

High blood pressure or hypertension sometimes does not cause symptoms. Therefore, do regular blood tests to monitor the condition.

When methyldopa is used for long-term treatment, the effectiveness of the drug may not be as good as before, so a dose adjustment or additional treatment may be needed. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.

Store methyldopa in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Methyldopa Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug interactions that can occur if methyldopa is used together with other drugs are:

• Increased risk of hypotension when used with diuretics and other antihypertensives
• Decreased methyldopa metabolism when used with entacapone
• Decreased blood pressure lowering effect of methyldopa when taken with sympathomimetic drugs, MAOI drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, or beta-blocking hypertension drugs
• Lithium poison effect enhancement

Methyldopa Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may occur after using methyldopa are:

• Headache
• dry mouth
• bloating
• Drowsiness
• Dizzy
• Diarrhea
• Throw up
• Rash

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Fever
• Depression
• Feeling very tired
• Urine is red or dark brown
• Nightmare
• Swelling in the feet or legs
• Jaundice