Methyldopa

Methyldopa is a drug to lower blood pressure (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 is an antihypertensive drug type alpha-2 receptor agonist. This drug works by widening blood vessels so that blood pressure drops and blood can flow more smoothly.

In its use, methyldopa can be used as a single drug or combined with other drugs. This medicine must be used with a doctor's prescription.

Methyldopa trademark: Dopamet

What is Methyldopa

Warnings Before Consuming Methyldopa

Methyldopa should not be used indiscriminately. Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not consume methyldopa if you have an allergy to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from anemia, kidney disease, pheochromocytoma , paraganglioma, porphyria , G6PD deficiency, liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis), Parkinson's disease , or depression.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from heart failure, angina pectoris , stroke, or heart attack .
• Tell the doctor if you are undergoing a blood washing procedure.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or selegiline, in the last 14 days.
• Do not immediately do activities that require alertness, such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery, after consuming methyldopa, because this drug can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages during treatment with methyldopa, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are using other drugs, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor that you are undergoing treatment with methyldopa before undergoing surgery or medical procedures, including dental surgery.
• Consult with a doctor about the use of methyldopa in children or the elderly over the age of 65, because this group is more at risk of experiencing side effects, such as dizziness, fainting, depression, and injury from falling.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose, after taking methyldopa.

Dosage and Administration of Methyldopa

The dose of methyldopa can be different for each patient. The following is the dose of methyldopa to overcome hypertension based on the patient's age:

Adults

• As a single treatment
  Initial dose 250 mg, 2-3 times a day for 2 days. The dose can be increased every 2 days as needed. Treatment dose: 500–2,000 mg per day, divided into 2–4 administrations. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.
• As a combination therapy with other antihypertensive drugs,
  the initial dose is 500 mg per day given in divided doses. The dose can be increased every 2 days as needed.

Children

The initial dose is 10 mg/kgBW every day given in 2–4 administrations. The dose can be increased or decreased according to the response of the patient's body to the drug. The maximum dose is 65 mg/kg per day or 3,000 mg per day.

Elderly

Initial dose 125 mg, 2 times a day. The dose can be increased gradually according to the body's response to the drug. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day.

How to Consume Methyldopa Correctly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions on the medicine packaging before consuming methyldopa. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting a doctor.

Methyldopa can be consumed before or after meals. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.

Methyldopa only helps control blood pressure, but does not cure hypertension. Therefore, this drug needs to be consumed routinely for life in order to keep blood pressure under control.

Consume methyldopa regularly at the same time every day. If you forget to take methyldopa, immediately take this medicine if it is not close to the next consumption schedule. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.

To optimize therapy, reach your ideal weight if you are overweight or obese. In addition, exercise regularly, stop smoking , and limit the consumption of high-salt and high-fat foods.

Perform controls according to the schedule given by the doctor so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored. During treatment with methyldopa, you may be asked to perform routine blood and liver function tests.

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

Interactions of Methyldopa with Other Drugs

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

• Increased risk of hypertension or stimulation of the central nervous system causing agitation and hallucinations, if used with MAOI drugs
• Increased risk of lithium overdose
• Decreased rate and effectiveness of methyldopa if used with iron
• Decreased effect of methyldopa if used with antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol or aripiprazole
• Decreased effect of methyldopa in lowering blood pressure if used with phenylephrine drugs , phenothiazine drugs , or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Increased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, such as atenolol

Side Effects and Dangers of Methyldopa

Some side effects that may occur after using methyldopa are:

• Drowsy
• Dizziness or dizziness
• Headache
• The body feels weak
• Nasal congestion

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or even get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Depression
• Dizziness to the point of fainting
• Uncontrolled or involuntary muscle movements
• Disorders of the liver or pancreas, characterized by loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back, nausea or vomiting, palpitations, dark urine, or jaundice
• Menstruation becomes less frequent or stops altogether ( amenorrhea )
• Decreased sexual desire
• Breast enlargement in men ( gynecomastia )
• The release of breast milk or milk-like fluid from the nipple, both in men and women
• Symptoms of heart failure , such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, unusual fatigue, or sudden weight gain