Methyldopa tablets

What is this medicine?

METHYLDOPA (meth ill DOE pa) is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black, sore tongue

• chest pain

• dark yellow or brown urine

• depression

• difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• fever (usually within the first 3 months of treatment)

• slow heartbeat

• stomach pain

• swelling of the feet or legs

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• abnormal production of milk in females

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• change in sex drive or performance

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• numbness or tingling in hands or feet

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine also may interact with the following medications:

• iron salts

• lithium

• medicines for high blood pressure

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia

• kidney or liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to methyldopa, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her. If you get a fever, especially in the first few months, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Iron can stop the absorption of this medicine. Do not take this medicine with iron preparations or multiple vitamins containing iron. If you have to take iron, make sure that there are at least 2 hours between iron and methyldopa doses.