Aldomet is made up of methyldopa (an alpha-2-agonist) and is an oral tablet usually white, beige or orange in color.  We carry the generic alternative to Aldomet, which is called Methyldopa (the active ingredient in Aldomet). The generic alternative is lower in price and may have a difference appearance but both have equal effectiveness. This medication is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure.

Methyldopa is part of the alpha-2-agonist drug class, which means it works by decreases certain chemicals in your brain called norepinephrine. This chemical increases heart rate and blood pressure. When this chemical is blocked out, it allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax, when they relax they also widen. With wider blood vessels it allows easier blood flow, thus reducing blood pressure.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor as they can be different than explained below.

Take 2 – 4 times daily. This medication can be taken with or without food. If one dose is larger than the others, reserve that one for bedtime.

If you have been taking Aldomet for a while, you may need to adjust your dose as the effectiveness becomes harder to achieve.

Avoid stopping this medication abruptly. You should be slowly weaned off this medication.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Do not breastfeed while on this medication.

This medication can cause some people to feel tired and drowsy. Do not drive until you know exactly how you react to this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are on Methyldopa before having surgery.

This medication may interfere with lab tests (such as blood work)

Common side effects include;

• drowsiness, headache, lack of energy, or weakness.
• Speak to your doctor if you have:
• A fever shortly after taking medication
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Mental depression or anxiety
• Nightmares or unusually vivid dreams
• Dark or amber urine
• diarrhea or stomach cramps (severe or continuing)

Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There have been studies to show.

Is this medication safe for children?

Yes. Children usually take 10mg per kg of bodyweight a day, given in 2 – 4 evenly divided doses. They can have a maximum of 65mg per kg or 3 grams daily, whichever is lesser of the two.

What should I avoid if I am using this product?

Avoid getting up from sitting or laying position too fast. This could cause lightheadedness.

Does it have any medication interactions?

Yes, some of the serious ones include;

• aripiprazole
• benperidol
• chlorpromazine
• clozapine