৳ 3.09/unit
Pack: ৳ 3.09
৳ 3.09/unit
Pack: ৳ 3.09
At a glance
Methyldopa is a centrally acting antihypertensive used to control high blood pressure (hypertension).
Indications
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypertension during pregnancy
- Hypertension with renal insufficiency
Pharmacology
Methyldopa acts as an agonist at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, inhibiting adrenergic neuronal outflow and reducing vasoconstrictor adrenergic signals. It is converted to α-methylnorepinephrine in the CNS which stimulates presynaptic α-2 receptors reducing sympathetic nervous system activity.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Monotherapy: Initial: 250 mg 2-3 times daily for 2 days; adjust at intervals of at least 2 days according to response
- Maintenance: 500-2,000 mg daily
- Maximum: 3,000 mg daily
- Combination therapy: Initial dose should not exceed 500 mg daily
- Elderly: Initial: 125 mg twice daily; gradually increase; Maximum 2,000 mg daily
Child Dose: 10 mg/kg or 300 mg/m² daily (2-4 divided doses); Max: 65 mg/kg or 3,000 mg daily
Renal Dose: CrCl >50 mL/min: q8hr; CrCl 10-50: q8-12hr; CrCl <10: q12-24hr
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of BP on standing)
- Headache
- Asthenia (weakness)
Rare Side Effects:
- Angina pectoris, congestive heart failure
- Edema or weight gain
- Bradycardia, pancreatitis
- Hepatitis, jaundice
- Bone marrow depression, leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia
- Parkinsonism, psychosis or depression
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy (Category B): Considered safe during pregnancy. Animal studies show low or no adverse effects on developing baby. Preferred drug for hypertension during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Caution while driving or operating machinery (may cause drowsiness and dizziness)
- Monitor liver function (inform doctor if jaundice symptoms appear)
- Do not stop abruptly (blood pressure may rise)
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Contraindicated in active liver disease
Overdose effects
Acute overdose may cause acute hypotension, excessive sedation, weakness, bradycardia, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Recent ingestion: gastric lavage or emesis.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.