Methyldopa

Therapeutic action

• Centrally acting antihypertensive

Indications

• Hypertension in pregnancy

Forms and strengths

• 250 mg tablet

Dosage

• Initially 250 mg 2 to 3 times daily for 2 days, then increase gradually if necessary by 250 mg every 2 to 3 days, until the optimal dose is reached,usually 1.5 g daily. Do not exceed 3 g daily.

Duration

• According to clinical response.Do not stop treatment abruptly; reduce doses gradually.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with active liver disease, history of drug-induced hepatitis, severe depression.
• Administer with caution to patients with hepatic impairment, and reduce doses in patients with renal impairment.
• May cause:
  • orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, dry mouth; 
  • rarely: haematological, hepatic, mental disorders; allergic reactions.
• Stop treatment in the event of haemolytic anaemia or jaundice.
• In the event of unexplained fever during treatment, check blood count and transaminases for possible hepatitis due to methyldopa.
• Monitor combination with lithium (risk of lithium overdose), antidepressants (enhanced hypotensive effect), CNS depressants (increased sedation).
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Storage

• Below 25 °C