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Methylodopa Drug and Its Drugs Interactions
Type of Drug: Drug used to lower high blood pressure.
How the Methylodopa Product Works: Methyldopa lowers blood pressure by relaxing and dilating (widening) blood vessels. Blood flows more freely at a lower pressure.
Uses of The Methylodopa
Precautions: To treat high blood pressure alone or in conjunction with other blood pressure lowering drugs.
Pregnancy:
Tablets, oral suspension - Studies in pregnant women have not shown a risk to the fetus. However, no drug should be used during pregnant unless clearly needed.
Injection - Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: Methyldopa appears in breast milk. Contact your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Elderly: Dizziness and lightheadedness in older patients may ho related to an increased sensitivity and to the patient's physical condition .Lower doses may need to be prescribed.
Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor treatment .tests may include coombs test .liver function tests hemoglobin,heamtocrit and red cell counts ,Be sure to keep appoints .
Sulfites: The oral suspension and injection contain sulfite preservatives which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals (eg, asthmatics).
Drug Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine:
Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital)
Beta blockers (eg, propranolol)
Haloperidol (eg, Haldol)
Levodopa (eg, Larodopa)
Lithium (eg, Eskalith)
MAO's (eg, phenelzine)
Phenothiazines (eg, trifluoperazine)
Sulfonylureas (eg, tolbutamide)
Sympathomimetics (eg, ephedrine)
Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)
Side Effects: Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; constipation; gas; colitis; bloating; dry mouth; inflammation of salivary glands; sore or black tongue; weight gain; mouth sores; stomach pain.
Nervous System: Dizziness; weakness; lightheadedness; drowsiness; headache; depression; decreased concentration; nightmares; tingling or numbness; unusual body movements; fainting.
Circulatory System: Slow heart rate; chest pain; congestive heart failure.
Respiratory System: Nasal congestion; sore throat; difficulty breathing.
Skin: Rash; yellowing of skin or eyes; easy bruising or bleeding.
Other: Joint or muscle pain; edema (fluid retention); fever; absence of menstruation; impotence; decrease sexual desire; breast swelling; breast secretions; anemia; dark or amber urine; breast growth in males; pancreatitis; liver or blood disorders; abnormal liver functions tests; Parkinsonism; Bell palsy.