Methyldopa Tablets 250 mg Tablet (Methyldopa) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Methyldopa is a blood pressure-lowering medicine that works by relaxing your blood vessels and reducing the signals from your brain that tighten them, making it easier for blood to flow through your body.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure (hypertension)including high blood pressure during pregnancy

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High Blood Pressure Pregnancy & Labour

How it works

Activates central α2-adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, reducing sympathetic outflow and decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and heart rate.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

Adults usually start with one 250 mg tablet taken 2 to 3 times a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose depending on how your blood pressure responds, up to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day split into doses. You can take it with or without food. Sold in Nigeria as Aldomet, Bondomet, Hugomet, and other brands.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.

What to watch out for

Do not stop taking methyldopa suddenly without your doctor's advice — stopping abruptly can cause your blood pressure to spike dangerously. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and not from roadside sellers, as fake or expired blood pressure medicines are common. Do not share your methyldopa with someone else who has high blood pressure — the dose must be set by a doctor for each person.

Common Side Effects

Feeling sleepy or drowsy (especially when you first start)
headache
dry mouth
dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up quickly
mild swelling of the feet or ankles

Serious Side Effects

Yellowing of the eyes or skin (which may mean liver problems) — stop the drug and see a doctor immediately. Unexplained fever
dark-coloured urine
or unusual tiredness could also be signs of a serious reaction. If you notice swelling of your face
tongue
or difficulty breathing
go to the hospital right away.

Drug Interactions

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking methyldopa as it can make you feel very dizzy and sleepy. Taking it with iron supplements (like ferrous sulphate, which many Nigerians use) can reduce how well methyldopa works — take them at least 2 hours apart. Using other blood pressure medicines at the same time can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, so always tell your doctor about all your medications.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Methyldopa is one of the safest blood pressure medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but you should still use it only under your doctor's supervision.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with liver disease or a history of liver problems caused by methyldopa
anyone who is allergic to methyldopa
people with depression
and those with a rare condition called pheochromocytoma (a type of adrenal gland tumour). If you are on MAO inhibitor medicines
do not take methyldopa.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in hot rooms. Keep the container tightly closed and always out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Methyldopa Tablets 250 mg