Methyldopa

It is a moderate efficacy antihypertensive; primarily decreases total peripheral resistance with little effect on cardiac output; bradycardia can occur. It acts centrally to reduce sympathetic outflow, probably by an action of alpha methylnoradrenaline or central alpha adrenergic receptors.

Indications

Mild to moderate hypertension.

Dosage

Adults: 0.5-2 g daily in divided doses. Children: 10mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses.

Contra-Indications

Phaeochromocytoma, depression, hepatic impairment, jaundice, hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy, patients may develop a positive direct coomb's test, renal impairment, cardiac disease, acquired haemolytic anaemia. Paediatrics : Reduce dose necessarily. Pregnancy : No evidence of risk. Lactation : Present in milk; adverse effect on the infant is unlikely. Elderly: Reduce dose.

Side Effects

Sedation, lethargy, reduced mental capacity, dry mouth, fluid retention, weight gain, impotence, nasal congestion, postural hypotension.

Drug Interactions

Tricyclic antidepressants reverses its action, reversible dementia with haloperidol and occassional parkinsonian-like symptoms with levodopa, avoid concomitant use of reserpine and haloperidol.