Aldomet

The active ingredient in Aldomet is methyldopa, which is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It works by sending a signal to the brain that causes your blood vessels to relax. This improves blood flow and decreases your blood pressure.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Aldomet. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aldomet:

• Your blood pressure will need to be tested regularly. Your liver function may also need to be assessed.
• Even if you are feeling fine, continue to use Aldomet as advised. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.
• Aldomet may have an effect on the findings of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking this medication.
• If you require surgery or a blood transfusion, inform your healthcare providers ahead of time that you are taking Aldomet.
• Aldomet dosages in children are determined by weight. If your child gains or loses weight, their dosage requirements may fluctuate.

The most common side effects of methyldopa include:

• Drowsiness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dry mouth.
• Headaches.
• Weakness.
• Myalgia or muscle pain, arthralgia or joint pain, or paresthesia ("pins and needles")
• Lightheadedness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aldomet. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:.

• Blood Disorders. Aldomet can cause blood disorders, such as red blood cell breakdown (hemolytic anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia).
• Liver disease. This can cause extreme stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, pale faeces, dark urine, significant bloating in the stomach area, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
• Allergic reaction to the medication. Symptoms include a skin rash, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face and throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Aldomet. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aldomet, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis) or other liver problems.
• Heart disease.
• Angina (chest pain).
• Had a heart attack or heart failure.
• If you have used an MAOI within the last 14 days, do not use Aldomet. A hazardous medication interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, among others.

• Active liver disease.
• Hypersensitivity to methyldopa or any inactive ingredients in the product.
• Also using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Methyldopa begins acting about 2 to 3 hours after taking a dose. However, it may take 4 to 6 hours to properly drop your blood pressure.

When Aldomet is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, or any other iron-containing medication.
• Lithium.
• Catecholamines.
• Epinephrine.
• Any other blood pressure medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

A normal starting dose for adults is 250 mg taken orally two to three times per day. This can be increased to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day, divided into two or four smaller doses taken throughout the day.

Children's starting dose is 10 mg/kg body weight by mouth each day. The whole dose will be divided into two to four smaller doses given throughout the day. This can be increased to a maximum of 65 mg/kg body weight, or 3,000 mg per day, whichever is less.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip it.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Merck & Co. is the company that manufactures Aldomet.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Abrupt discontinuation of Aldomet can cause rebound hypertension. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. It is unclear whether Aldomet will harm an unborn fetus. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy might lead to issues like diabetes or eclampsia. The benefits of treating hypertension may exceed the hazards to the baby.

This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.