Methyldopate

Methyldopate is used for:

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Treating high blood pressure. It may be used with other high blood pressure medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Methyldopate is an alpha-2 receptor agonist. It reduces elevated blood pressure by relaxing and dilating (widening) blood vessels. Blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure through dilated blood vessels.

Do NOT use Methyldopate if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Methyldopate
• you have liver disease, severe kidney problems, a liver reaction caused by past use of Methyldopate , or a history of anemia caused by your immune system
• you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Methyldopate :

Some medical conditions may interact with Methyldopate . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have hemolytic anemia or other blood problems, liver problems, kidney problems, or tumors on your adrenal glands

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Methyldopate . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Furazolidone, lithium, or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Methyldopate
• Other medicines for high blood pressure because excessively low blood pressure may occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Methyldopate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Methyldopate :

Use Methyldopate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Methyldopate is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Methyldopate at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Methyldopate . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Methyldopate if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Methyldopate , contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Methyldopate .

Important safety information:

• Methyldopate may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Methyldopate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Methyldopate ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Methyldopate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including blood counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Methyldopate . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Methyldopate with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Caution is advised when using Methyldopate in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Methyldopate while you are pregnant. Methyldopate is found in the breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Methyldopate , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Methyldopate :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; continuing fatigue; diarrhea; joint or muscle pain; swelling of the legs or feet; unexplained fever; vomiting; weight gain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; lightheadedness; low blood pressure; nausea; slowed heart rate; vomiting; weakness.

Methyldopate is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Methyldopate at home, store Methyldopate as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Methyldopate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Methyldopate , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Methyldopate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Methyldopate . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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