|
|
|
Methyldopa |
|
|
What is Methyldopa and why is it prescribed? Methyldopa is used to treat high blood pressure. You must take Methyldopa regularly for it to be effective. Methyldopa does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Methyldopa? Follow your doctors directions for taking Methyldopa. Try not to miss any doses. Do not stop taking the drug without your doctor's knowledge. Drowsiness may occur when dosage is increased. If your doctor increases the amount of Methyldopa you take, start the new dosage in the evening. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Keep Methyldopa in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store Methyldopa tablets at room temperature. Protect from light. Are there any Methyldopa side effects? Methyldopa side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Methyldopa side effects may include drowsiness during the first few weeks of therapy, fluid retention or weight gain, headache, and weakness. Less common or rare Methyldopa side effects may include anemia, Bell's palsy, bloating, blood disorders, breast development in males, breast enlargement, changes in menstruation, chest pain, congestive heart failure, constipation, decreased mental ability, decreased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, dizziness when standing up, dry mouth, fever, gas, hepatitis, impotence, inflammation of the large intestine, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the salivary glands, involuntary movements, joint pain, light-headedness, liver disorders, milk production, muscle pain, nasal stuffiness, nausea, nightmares, parkinsonism, rash, slow heartbeat, sore or "black" tongue, tingling or pins and needles, vomiting, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Methyldopa? If Methyldopa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Methyldopa with Antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors (including Nardil and Parnate), Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), Imipramine (Tofranil), Iron-containing products (such as Ferrous sulfate/Feosol and Ferrous gluconate/Fergon), Lithium (Lithonate), Other blood pressure medications (such as Catapres and Calan), Phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant used in common cold remedies such as Dimetapp, Entex LA, and others), Propranolol (Inderal), or Tolbutamide (Orinase). Are there any special warnings about Methyldopa? Before you begin taking Methyldopa, your doctor should perform a complete study of your liver function, and it should be monitored periodically thereafter. Methyldopa can cause liver disorders. You may develop a fever, jaundice, or both, usually within the first 2 to 3 months of therapy. If either of these symptoms occurs, stop taking Methyldopa and contact your doctor immediately. If the fever and/or jaundice were caused by the medication, your liver function should gradually return to normal. If you have a history of liver disease, this medication should be used with caution. Hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed, can develop with long-term use of Methyldopa; your doctor will do periodic blood counts to check for this problem. Methyldopa can cause water retention or weight gain in some people. A diuretic will usually relieve these symptoms. If you are on dialysis and are taking Methyldopa for high blood pressure, your blood pressure may rise after your dialysis treatments. Methyldopa can cause you to become drowsy or less alert, especially during the first few weeks of therapy or when dosage levels are increased. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Methyldopa if you have a medical emergency and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
