Aldomet
Generic Name: methyldopa
Brand Names: Aldomet What is Aldomet (methyldopa)?Methyldopa lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax (widen) and your heart to beat more slowly and easily. Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Methyldopa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about Aldomet (methyldopa)?Do not stop taking methyldopa suddenly. This could cause severely high blood pressure, nervousness, and anxiety. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methyldopa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position, especially first thing in the morning. You may become dizzy while taking methyldopa and you may fall and injure yourself if you get up quickly. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aldomet (methyldopa)?You cannot take methyldopa if you have any type of liver disease. Do not take methyldopa if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or if you have taken one in the last 14 days. MAOIs, used to treat depression, include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any type of heart disease, have had a heart attack or a stroke, or - have kidney disease.
You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment with methyldopa if you have any of the conditions listed above. Methyldopa is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take methyldopa without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Methyldopa passes into breast milk. It is not known whether methyldopa will harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from methyldopa therapy. You may require a lower dose.
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