Aldomet® (Methyldopa) Tablets for High Blood Pressure

What Aldomet® Is and How It Works

Methyldopa is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to lower blood pressure. It is known as alpha methyl dopa and has been widely studied in pregnancy. Tablets are available in 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg strengths. Many people search for methyldopa online to compare methyldopa price and complete a methyldopa prescription at a trusted source.

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Methyldopa is a prodrug. In the body it converts to alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which stimulates central alpha-2 receptors. This reduces sympathetic outflow from the brainstem. Peripheral vascular resistance falls, and blood pressure decreases. Heart rate and plasma renin may also fall modestly. The result is steady antihypertensive control with less risk of fetal effects compared with many alternatives. This is why Aldomet methyldopa and Dopamet methyldopa have long been considered options in pregnancy when clinically appropriate.

Methyldopa is taken by mouth as a methyl dopa tablet. It works best when taken consistently, often two to four times per day. It can be used alone or with other drugs for hypertension. Typical candidates include those with chronic hypertension, including pregnant patients when a clinician selects it based on history and goals.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation in adults: 250 mg two or three times daily for two days. Adjust based on response.
• Titration: Increase every 2 days as needed. Usual total daily dose ranges 500 mg to 2,000 mg in divided doses.
• Maximum: 3,000 mg per day in divided doses.
• Common schedules: methyldopa tablet 250 mg three times daily; or 500 mg morning and evening. A methyldopa 125 mg strength can help with fine-tuning.
• Pediatrics and pregnancy dosing are individualized. Clinicians use the lowest effective dose.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless the next dose is soon. Skip if near the next dose. Do not double.
• Discontinuation: tapering helps avoid rebound blood pressure rise.
• Administration: swallow with water. Consistency with meals and timing can improve tolerance.
• Driving and tasks: drowsiness may occur, especially at start or after dose increases.

• Storage: store tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Short excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are usually acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry and protected from light. Use the original container with a tight cap.
• Travel: carry doses in a hand bag, not a checked bag. Keep a copy of the prescription.
• Do not store in a car glove box or in direct sun.
• Use a pill organizer only if moisture control is maintained.
• For long trips, bring extra tablets and a medication list.

Benefits and Savings

Methyldopa lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by reducing sympathetic tone. Many patients see stable 24-hour control with less heart rate increase than some other agents. It has a long record of use in pregnancy, where alternatives may be limited. It can be combined with thiazides, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta blockers when additional control is needed.

Ordering the generic can reduce monthly costs. Expect 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Many patients compare methyldopa cost across strengths, including methyldopa 250 and methyldopa 500 mg, to plan refills. Multi-month supplies often lower the per-month spend. Reorder reminders help prevent gaps in therapy. If planning a switch in dose, review methyldopa 250mg price and methyldopa 500 mg tablet price to budget accurately.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, weakness.
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort.
• Fluid balance: mild swelling or weight gain.
• Central nervous system: lightheadedness, reduced alertness, mood changes.
• Sexual/reproductive: decreased libido; rare hyperprolactinemia.
• Laboratory: positive Coombs test may occur after months of treatment.

Serious but uncommon risks include hepatitis or liver enzyme elevations, hemolytic anemia, fever, myocarditis, depression, and severe hypotension. Liver disease history increases risk and warrants careful monitoring or avoidance. Report jaundice, dark urine, fever, or unusual tiredness promptly. Methyldopa does not lower blood sugar and is not known to increase hypoglycemia risk with insulin or sulfonylureas, but all antihypertensive combinations should be monitored for overall tolerability.

Onset Time

Blood pressure may start to improve within 12–24 hours after the first doses. The full effect often appears over 48 hours as central alpha-2 activity stabilizes. Dose adjustments can take 1–2 days to show the next step of response. Drowsiness often improves after several days of steady use. If therapy stops, blood pressure may rise again, so clinicians usually taper.

Compare With Alternatives

Labetalol is another common choice in pregnancy. It combines alpha and beta blockade and is dosed twice daily or more. It may cause fatigue or dizziness. Some clinicians prefer methyldopa when sedation is tolerable and a long safety record is valued, while others prefer labetalol for quicker titration.

Nifedipine extended-release is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker given once daily. It lowers blood pressure by vasodilation and often causes headache or flushing. Compared with methyldopa, nifedipine has simpler dosing but may cause more peripheral edema.

Thiazide diuretics, such as Hydrochlorothiazide, reduce fluid volume and peripheral resistance. They pair well with methyldopa in resistant hypertension, though electrolyte monitoring is needed. For resistant cases outside pregnancy, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist like Spironolactone may be added if appropriate; note it is not used in pregnancy.

Combination Therapy

• With a thiazide diuretic: improves control; monitor sodium and potassium.
• With a calcium channel blocker: complements central action; watch for edema or dizziness.
• With an ACE inhibitor or ARB: adds vasodilation; check renal function and potassium.
• With a beta blocker: may enhance fatigue or bradycardia; titrate carefully.
• With other sedating agents: drowsiness can add up; consider lower starting doses.
• Dose adjustments may be needed to reduce orthostatic symptoms when therapies are combined.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Methyldopa may be considered for adults with primary hypertension and for pregnant patients when chosen by a clinician. It is often used when ACE inhibitors or ARBs are not suitable. Those with active liver disease, a history of methyldopa-induced hepatitis, or hemolytic anemia are generally not candidates. A prior positive Coombs test, severe depression, or marked orthostatic hypotension may also limit use.

Drug and lab interactions include false elevations in catecholamine assays, potential effects on liver tests, and the development of a positive Coombs test after months of therapy. Alcohol and other sedatives can increase drowsiness. Gradual tapering helps reduce rebound increases in blood pressure.

To manage costs, compare methyldopa tablet options across strengths. Many patients choose a 90-day supply to reduce the per-month price and the number of shipments. Bulk promotions may be available at times. Set a refill reminder so you order in advance. When discussing dose changes, review methyldopa 500 mg and methyldopa tablet 250 mg availability to avoid mid-month switches. International brand names, such as Dopamet or Aldocure, may appear on packaging in some regions, but the active ingredient is the same.

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Methyldopa Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Methyldopa Listings

FDA Label PDF for Aldomet (methyldopa)

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This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.