Uses

Aldomet is primarily prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by reducing certain chemicals in the blood, relaxing blood vessels, and lowering blood pressure.

It is considered safe for use in pregnancy and is often preferred for managing pregnancy-related hypertension.

Dosage and Administration Typical adult dose:

• Start with 250 mg two to three times daily for the first 48 hours. The dosage can be adjusted every two days depending on the blood pressure response.
• Maintenance dose: Usually 500 mg to 2 g per day, divided into two to four doses. Higher doses up to 3 g daily may rarely be used under supervision.
• Pediatric dosing: Based on body weight (10 mg/kg/day in divided doses), titrated to a maximum of 65 mg/kg or 3 g/day, whichever is lower.

Administration tips:

•  Take at consistent times each day, with or without food.
• To reduce sedation, evening doses can be preferred.
• Swallow with water and avoid suddenly stopping the medication to prevent rebound hypertension.

Side Effects

Common: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, nasal stuffiness, transient sedation.

Serious: liver dysfunction, hemolytic anemia (may require Coombs test monitoring), uncontrolled muscle movements, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, swelling, and severe hypotension.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Methyldopa passes into breast milk (relative infant dose ~1.2%), but it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Precautions, contraindications and Drug interactions:

Active liver disease, prior adverse reactions to methyldopa, use of MAO inhibitors within the past 14 days.

Check with doctor before use if you have kidney disease, heart disease, or history of depression.

Methyldopa may interact with lithium, iron supplements (ferrous sulfate/gluconate), beta-blockers, other antihypertensives, and tricyclic antidepressants. Psychotropic medications may also alter its effects.

Caution with multiple medications is essential.

AVAILABILITY

Aldomet is available at Yassir Pharmacy physically and can also be delivered within same-day or next-day for residents of Nairobi.