Here is the detailed overview for:
💊 Methyldopa Tablet 500 mg
🧪 Nature / Drug Class
🔹 Centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
🔹 Antihypertensive agent
🔹 Commonly used for pregnancy-related hypertension
🩺 Purpose / Indications
✅ Treatment of:
- Essential hypertension
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
- Chronic hypertension during pregnancy
- Often used when other antihypertensives are contraindicated
⚙️ Advantages
✔️ Safe for pregnant and lactating women
✔️ Well-studied long-term safety profile
✔️ Oral and cost-effective
✔️ Suitable for step-up therapy when lower doses are insufficient
📦 Common Packaging
📦 Tablet form – 500 mg per tablet
💊 Packed in blister strips or HDPE bottles
🕒 Dosage individualized; usually taken 1–3 times/day
⚠️ Patient Advice / Precautions
🩺 Regular monitoring needed:
- Blood pressure
- Liver enzymes (SGPT/SGOT)
- Hemoglobin/hematocrit
😴 Can cause drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness
💧 Swallow whole with water, with or without food
🚫 Do not stop abruptly – may lead to rebound hypertension
🚫 Contraindications / Cautions
❌ Active liver disorders
❌ Previous methyldopa-induced hemolytic anemia
⚠️ Use cautiously in:
- Depressed patients
- Renal impairment
- Elderly (risk of postural hypotension)
⚠️ Interactions
📛 Avoid taking with:
- MAO inhibitors
- Iron supplements (can reduce absorption)
- Alcohol or sedatives (may increase drowsiness)
🧊 Storage
🌡 Store at 15–25°C
🧴 Protect from moisture, heat, and light
🔒 Keep away from children