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Methyldopa Coupon - Methyldopa 250mg tablet

methyldopa

Generic Aldomet
Used for Hypertension
Used for Hypertension

Methyldopa is an oral tablet that's used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medications called alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. Because it doesn't last long in your body, it must be taken a few times a day. Methyldopa is preferred over other medications for treating high blood pressure during pregnancy. Some potential side effects include sleepiness, headache, and weakness.

Last reviewed on September 30, 2024
basics-icon

What is Methyldopa?

What is Methyldopa used for?

How Methyldopa works

Methyldopa is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It works by signaling the brain to cause your blood vessels to relax. This makes it easier for blood to flow and lowers your blood pressure.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAldomet (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassAlpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$506.81(save 98.01%)
GoodRx discount
$10.09
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Methyldopa?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Temporary sleepiness
  • Temporary dizziness
  • Temporary weakness
  • Temporary headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Swelling
  • Depression
  • "Pins and needles" sensation
  • Muscle pain
  • Lowered sex drive
  • Weight gain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Breakdown of red blood cells: tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headache, chills, paleness, fainting
  • Liver damage: severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, pale stools, dark urine, severe bloating in the stomach area, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Fever, shortly after starting to take this medicine

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Swelling of feet or lower legs

Less common

Mental depression or anxiety

nightmares or unusually vivid dreams

Rare

Dark or amber urine

diarrhea or stomach cramps (severe or continuing)

fever, chills, troubled breathing, and fast heartbeat

general feeling of discomfort or illness or weakness

joint pain

pale stools

skin rash or itching

stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting

tiredness or weakness after having taken this medicine for several weeks (continuing)

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Drowsiness

dryness of mouth

headache

Less common

Decreased sexual ability or interest in sex

diarrhea

dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

nausea or vomiting

numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet

slow heartbeat

stuffy nose

swelling of breasts or unusual milk production

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Methyldopa

thumbs-up

Pros

Dose can be adjusted based on response

Safe to use if you're pregnant

Comes in two different strengths

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Has many possible side effects

Must be taken 2 to 4 times a day

Not a first-choice option for treating high blood pressure

Not safe if you have liver problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Methyldopa

pharmacist
  • You can take methyldopa with or without food. Nausea is a possible side effect of this medication, so if this happens to you, take your doses with something to eat.

    • For the most consistent results, take methyldopa at the same times every day.

      • It's common to feel sleepy and dizzy when starting methyldopa or after a dose change. These side effects usually improve after a week or two on the same dose. Be careful changing positions during this time, as doing so too quickly can cause you to fall. Let your prescriber know if the side effects are bothersome.

        • Methyldopa commonly causes dry mouth. There are mouthwashes, lozenges, and sprays that can help lessen this feeling. Ask your pharmacist if you need help selecting one of these products.

          • Let your prescriber know if you're taking any antidepressants or medications for Parkinson's disease. Some of these medications interact with methyldopa and can cause dangerously high blood pressure.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Methyldopa

            Is methyldopa still available?
            Yes, methyldopa is available with a prescription from a healthcare professional. It's currently only available as a generic.
            Is methyldopa a beta blocker?
            No, methyldopa isn't a beta blocker. It's an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Both types of medications can treat high blood pressure, but they do so in different ways.
            How long does it take for methyldopa to work?
            Methyldopa starts working around 2 to 3 hours after taking a dose. But it can take 4 to 6 hours to fully kick in to lower your blood pressure.
            How well does methyldopa lower blood pressure?
            Methyldopa lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 13 mmHg / 8 mmHg. Keep in mind that everyone will respond to the medication differently. How well it works for you can also depend on the dose you're taking. Methyldopa isn't a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure because newer medications work just as well or better and don't need to be taken as often.
            Does methyldopa cause erectile dysfunction?
            Many blood pressure medications, including methyldopa, can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). ED has been reported by some people taking methyldopa in small studies. This usually happens within the first few days of starting the medication, and goes away within 2 weeks of stopping it. If you're experiencing sexual problems, talk to your prescriber and don't stop taking your blood pressure medication until you do so.
            Is methyldopa safe during pregnancy?
            Yes. Methyldopa is considered a safe medication for treating high blood pressure in pregnancy. It isn't known to cause harm to unborn babies and can actually prevent problems that would be life-threatening to both mothers and their babies.
            Can methyldopa cause depression?
            Depression is a possible side effect of methyldopa. While it doesn't appear to raise the risk of depression for most people, it's known to raise the risk of postpartum depression for people who take this medication during pregnancy. This is because it might lower mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. If you're experiencing any changes to your mood or behavior since starting this medication, speak with your care team.
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            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Methyldopa?

            Methyldopa can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Liver problems

            • Risk factors: History of or current liver problems

              Although rare, methyldopa can cause serious liver problems. In some cases, this can be life-threatening. Because of this, people with liver problems shouldn't take this medication. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and complete any blood tests ordered so your care team can track your liver function. If you experience any unusual vomiting, pale stools, dark urine, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes, seek medical attention right away.

              risk-warning

              Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)

              • Risk factors: Positive Coombs test | Using methyldopa for a long time

                Although very rare, taking methyldopa for a long time can cause a serious condition called hemolytic anemia. This life-threatening problem causes your body to destroy your red blood cells faster than they can be replaced. This typically happens between 6 and 12 months after starting methyldopa. If you're going to be taking this medication for a long time, you'll have to get regular blood tests done to watch for early signs of this condition.

                risk-warning

                Low white blood cell and platelet count

                Rarely, methyldopa can lower the number of white blood cells and platelets in your body. White blood cells help your body fight infections, and without enough of them, you can get sick more easily and take longer to recover. Platelets help your blood clot to stop bleeding. You'll have to have blood tests done regularly while you're taking methyldopa to make sure your blood cells are at a normal level. If you experience changes in your blood cells, know that it's reversible. These side effects will go away once you stop taking the medication.

                dosage

                Methyldopa dosage forms

                The average cost for 60 tablets of 250mg of Methyldopa is $10.09 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 98.01% off the average retail price of $506.81.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                250mg60 tablets$10.09$0.17
                500mg60 tablets$30.27$0.50

                Typical dosing for Methyldopa

                • Adults: The typical starting dose is 250 mg by mouth 2 to 3 times a day. This can be raised to a maximum of 3,000 mg total per day, which would be split into 2 to 4 smaller doses taken throughout the day.

                • Children: The typical starting dose is 10 mg/kg of body weight by mouth total per day. This total dose will be split up into 2 to 4 smaller doses taken throughout the day. This can be raised to a maximum of 65 mg/kg of body weight or 3,000 mg per day, whichever is less.

                interactions

                Interactions between Methyldopa and other drugs

                Methyldopa may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Methyldopa. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                drug-cost

                How much does Methyldopa cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                contraindications-icon

                Methyldopa contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Methyldopa will not be safe for you to take.
                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Methyldopa?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Methyldopa. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Methyldopa
                $10.09 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                $19.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Used for:
                • Chest pain (angina)

                • High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only

                $14.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Methyldopa images

                Beige Round Mylan And 611 - Methyldopa 250mg Tablet
                This medicine is Beige, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Mylan" And "611".Beige Round Mylan And 611 - Methyldopa 250mg Tablet
                White Round Ce 87 - Methyldopa 250mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ce 87".White Round Ce 87 - Methyldopa 250mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Bansal, S. (1988). Sexual dysfunction in hypertensive men: A critical review of the literature. Hypertension.

                Chartwell RX, LLC. (2024). Methyldopa tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                DeMuth, G. W., et al. (1983). Alpha-Methyldopa and depression: A clinical study and review of the literature. The American Journal of Psychiatry.

                View All References (8)

                Easterling, T., et al. (2019). Oral antihypertensives for management of severe hypertension in pregnancy. American College of Cardiology.

                Mah, G. T., et al. (2009). Methyldopa for primary hypertension. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic anemia.

                Nayak, A. S., et al. (2018). Risk analysis of suicidal ideations and postpartum depression with antenatal alpha methyldopa use. Asian Journal of Psychiatry.

                ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Methyldopa.

                Sedhai, Y. R., et al. (2023). Agranulocytosis. StatPearls.

                Whelton, P. K., et al. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension.

                Wiciński, M., et al. (2020). Methyldopa as an inductor of postpartum depression and maternal blues: A review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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