How It Works
Methyldopa affects the nerves that relax
the walls of blood vessels, causing the blood vessels to widen (dilate) and
thus reducing blood pressure.
Why It Is Used
Methyldopa is used to help control
blood pressure in
chronic hypertension during pregnancy. Other medicines
may be added for blood pressure control, if needed.
Methyldopa is
not used in women who have liver or kidney disease.
How Well It Works
Methyldopa is usually effective for
the control of chronic hypertension during pregnancy.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Sleepiness.
- Dry
mouth.
- Headache,
dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Nausea and
vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Methyldopa is most often
used in its oral form to treat high blood pressure during
pregnancy.
Methyldopa does not begin lowering blood pressure until
4 to 6 hours after it is taken. So it is not a good choice when blood pressure
needs to be lowered quickly.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
When you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Roberts JM, Funai EF (2009). Pregnancy-related hypertension. In
RK Creasy, R Resnik, eds., Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice, 6th
ed., pp. 651–688. Philadelphia: Saunders.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
|---|
| Last Revised | November 5, 2012 |
|---|
Roberts JM, Funai EF (2009). Pregnancy-related hypertension. In
RK Creasy, R Resnik, eds., Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice, 6th
ed., pp. 651–688. Philadelphia: Saunders.