METHYLDOPA oral

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    Prescription under medical supervision

     

    Therapeutic action

    • Centrally acting antihypertensive

    Indications

    • Hypertension in pregnancy

    Forms and strengths

    • 250 mg tablet

    Dosage

    • Initially 250 mg 2 to 3 times daily for 2 days, then increase gradually if necessary by 250 mg every 2 to 3 days, until the optimal dose is reached, usually 1.5 g daily. Do not exceed 3 g daily.

    Duration

    • According to clinical response. Do not stop treatment abruptly; reduce doses gradually.

    Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

    • Do not administer to patients with active liver disease, history of drug-induced hepatitis, severe depression.
    • Administer with caution to patients with hepatic impairment, and reduce doses in patients with renal impairment.
    • May cause:
      • orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, dry mouth;
      • rarely: haematological, hepatic, mental disorders; allergic reactions.
    • Stop treatment in the event of haemolytic anaemia or jaundice.
    • In the event of unexplained fever during treatment, check blood count and transaminases for possible hepatitis due to methyldopa.
    • Monitor combination with lithium (risk of lithium overdose), antidepressants (enhanced hypotensive effect), CNS depressants (increased sedation).
    • Pregnancy: no contra-indication
    • Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

    Storage

    Below 25 °C

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