Methyldopa: Pediatric drug information

For additional information see "Methyldopa: Drug information" and "Methyldopa: Patient drug information"

For abbreviations, symbols, and age group definitions show table

Therapeutic Category

Alpha-Adrenergic Inhibitors, Central;
Antihypertensive Agent

Dosing: Pediatric

Hypertension

Hypertension: Note: Use has been replaced by other agents; methyldopa not suggested as a treatment option for hypertension (Ref).

Children and Adolescents: Oral: Initial: 10 mg/kg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses; titrate no more frequently than every 2 days until adequate response to maximum daily dose: 65 mg/kg/day or 3,000 mg/day, whichever is less (Ref).

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Pediatric

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; based on experience in adult patients, dosing adjustment suggested.

Dosing: Liver Impairment: Pediatric

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use is contraindicated in patients with active hepatic disease.

Dosing: Adult

(For additional information see "Methyldopa: Drug information")

Hypertension

Hypertension (alternative agent):

Oral: Initial: 250 mg 2 to 3 times daily; titrate daily dose at least every 2 days based on response; usual dose range: 250 mg to 1 g daily in 2 to 4 divided doses; maximum dose: 3 g/day in divided doses (Ref). Note: When administered with other antihypertensives other than thiazide diuretics, limit initial daily dose of methyldopa to 500 mg/day in divided doses.

Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Dosing: Kidney Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, the following adjustments have been recommended (Ref):

CrCl >50 mL/minute: Administer every 8 hours.

CrCl 10 to 50 mL/minute: Administer every 8 to 12 hours.

CrCl <10 mL/minute: Administer every 12 to 24 hours.

Intermittent hemodialysis: Moderately dialyzable (up to 60% with a 6-hour session): Administer after hemodialysis on dialysis days (Ref).

Peritoneal dialysis (PD): Administer every 12 to 24 hours.

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): Administer every 8 to 12 hours. Note: Use of antihypertensives in patients requiring CRRT is generally not recommended since CRRT is typically employed when patient cannot tolerate intermittent hemodialysis due to hypotension.

Dosing: Liver Impairment: Adult

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use is contraindicated in patients with active hepatic disease.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Postmarketing:

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, edema, exacerbation of angina pectoris, heart failure, myocarditis (Webster 1996), orthostatic hypotension (Paykel 1982), pericarditis, prolonged carotid sinus syncope (Bauernfeind 1978), vasculitis (Matteson 1989)

Dermatologic: Lichenoid eruption (Holt 1974), skin rash (including eczema, papular rash, seborrheic dermatitis, and urticaria) (Gidseg 1986, Holt 1974), toxic epidermal necrolysis

Endocrine & metabolic: Amenorrhea (Arze 1981), decreased libido (Newman 1974), gynecomastia (Caldwell 1981), hyperprolactinemia (Arze 1981), weight gain (Caldwell 1981)

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, cholestasis, colitis, constipation, diarrhea (Caldwell 1981), flatulence, glossalgia, melanoglossia, nausea (Caldwell 1981), pancreatitis (Van der Heide 1981), sialadenitis, vomiting, xerostomia (Caldwell 1981)

Genitourinary: Breast hypertrophy (Pettinger 1964), impotence (Caldwell 1981), lactation (Pettinger 1964), nocturia (Caldwell 1981)

Hematologic & oncologic: Bone marrow depression, eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, hemolytic anemia (including autoimmune hemolytic anemia) (Böttiger 1973, Surveyor 1968), leukopenia, neutropenia (Greene 1967), positive ANA titer (Dupont 1982), positive direct Coombs test (Dupont 1982), thrombocytopenia

Hepatic: Abnormal hepatic function tests (Shashaty 1979), cholestatic hepatitis (Toghill 1974), cholestatic jaundice (Hoffbrand 1974), hepatic cirrhosis (Shashaty 1979), hepatic necrosis (Toghill 1974), hepatitis (Thomas 1997), hepatocellular hepatitis, hepatotoxicity (Toghill 1974), jaundice (Toghill 1974)

Nervous system: Asthenia, Bell palsy, cerebrovascular insufficiency (symptoms), decreased mental acuity (Paykel 1982), depression (Caldwell 1981), dizziness (Caldwell 1981), drowsiness (Caldwell 1981), drug fever (Kumar 1986), fatigue (Caldwell 1981), headache (Caldwell 1981), involuntary choreoathetoid movements (Neil 1981), paresthesia (Caldwell 1981), parkinsonism (Strang 1966), psychic disorder (including nightmares, psychosis) (Webster 1996), sedated state (Paykel 1982), sleep disturbance (including insomnia and nightmares) (Paykel 1982)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, lupus-like syndrome (Dupont 1982), myalgia, positive rheumatoid factor

Renal: Increased blood urea nitrogen

Respiratory: Nasal congestion (Caldwell 1981)

Miscellaneous: Fever, positive LE cell preparation (Harth 1968)

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to methyldopa or any component of the formulation; active hepatic disease (eg, acute hepatitis, active cirrhosis); hepatic disorders previously associated with use of methyldopa; concurrent use of MAO inhibitors.

Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Edema: May produce clinical edema or weight gain; discontinue if edema worsens or signs of heart failure arise. Mild edema may be controlled with the concomitant use of diuretic therapy.

• Hematologic effects: Rare cases of reversible granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia have been reported. May rarely produce hemolytic anemia; positive Coombs test occurs in 10% to 20% of patients usually occurring between 6 and 12 months of therapy; perform complete blood count (CBC) periodically. If methyldopa-induced Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia occurs during therapy, discontinue use and do not reinitiate; Coombs test may not revert back to normal for weeks to months following discontinuation.

• Hepatic effects: May rarely produce hepatic disorders including fatal hepatic necrosis. Discontinue use and do not reinitiate if fever, abnormal liver function tests, or jaundice is present.

• Sedation: Usually transient, sedation may occur with initiation or whenever the dose is increased.

Disease-related concerns:

• Cerebrovascular disease: Patients with severe bilateral cerebrovascular disease have exhibited involuntary choreoathetotic movements (rare); discontinue use if these symptoms develop.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with history of hepatic disease or impairment.

• Pheochromocytoma: Not recommended in patients with pheochromocytoma.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; may respond to smaller doses. The active metabolites of methyldopa accumulate in patients with renal impairment.

Special populations:

• Surgical patients: Patients on methyldopa may need less anesthetic agents (Miller 1968; Miller 2010).

Other warnings/precautions:

• Tolerance: May occur usually between the second and third month of therapy; adding a diuretic or increasing the dosage of methyldopa frequently restores blood pressure control.

Dosage Forms: US

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral:

Generic: 250 mg, 500 mg

Generic Equivalent Available: US

Yes

Pricing: US

Tablets (Methyldopa Oral)

250 mg (per each): $9.00

500 mg (per each): $7.92

Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.

Dosage Forms: Canada

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, Oral:

Generic: 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg

Extemporaneous Preparations

A 50 mg/mL oral suspension may be made with tablets and either unpreserved Simple Syrup, N.F. or a 1:1 mixture of simple syrup (containing 0.5% citric acid) and hydrochloric acid 0.2 N. Crush ten 250 mg tablets in a glass mortar and reduce to a fine powder. To make formulation with unpreserved simple syrup, add small portions of vehicle and mix to a uniform paste; mix while adding the vehicle in incremental proportions to almost 50 mL; transfer to a calibrated bottle; rinse the mortar and pestle several times with vehicle, and add quantity of vehicle sufficient to make 50 mL. To make formulation with the second vehicle, mix powdered tablets with 25 mL of hydrochloric acid 0.2 N (0.73% w/v); dilute this mixture to 50 mL with simple syrup containing 0.5% citric acid by the method described above. Label "shake well" and "protect from light." Stable for 14 days when stored in glass prescription bottles in the dark at room temperature or refrigerated.

Newton DW, Rogers AG, Becker CH, et al, "Extemporaneous Preparation of Methyldopa in Two Syrup Vehicles," Am J Hosp Pharm, 1975, 32(8):817-21.238389

Administration: Pediatric

Oral: May be administered without regard to food; administer new dosage increases in the evening to minimize sedation.

Administration: Adult

Oral: Administer new dosage increases in the evening to minimize sedation.

Storage/Stability

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light.

Use

Management of hypertension (FDA approved in pediatric patients [age not specified] and adults).

Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Methyldopa may be confused with L-dopa, levodopa

Older Adult: High-Risk Medication:

Beers Criteria: Central alpha-agonists (methyldopa) are identified in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate medications to be avoided in patients 65 years and older (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to high risk of CNS adverse effects and risk of bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension associated with central alpha blockers; not recommended as routine treatment for hypertension (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).

International issues:

Aldomet [Multiple international markets] may be confused with Aldactone brand name for spironolactone [US, Canada, multiple international markets]

Kuric (NG) may be confused with Carac brand name for candesartan (PK) and brand name for fluorouracil topical (US, PR)

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of COMT;

Drug Interactions

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.

Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program

Alfuzosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Amphetamines: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor

Arginine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Barbiturates: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Benperidol: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Beta-Blockers: May increase rebound hypertensive effects of Alpha2-Agonists. This effect can occur when the Alpha2-Agonist is abruptly withdrawn. Alpha2-Agonists may increase AV-blocking effects of Beta-Blockers. Sinus node dysfunction may also be enhanced. Management: Closely monitor heart rate during treatment with a beta blocker and clonidine. Withdraw beta blockers several days before clonidine withdrawal when possible, and monitor blood pressure closely. Recommendations for other alpha2-agonists are unavailable. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Bradycardia-Causing Agents: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Brigatinib: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may increase bradycardic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Brimonidine (Topical): May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Bromperidol: May decrease hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid

Ceritinib: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ceritinib. Management: If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for evidence of symptomatic bradycardia, and closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate during therapy. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

COMT Inhibitors: May increase serum concentration of COMT Substrates. Risk C: Monitor

Dexmethylphenidate: May decrease therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Diazoxide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor

Etrasimod: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Fexinidazole: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase arrhythmogenic effects of Fexinidazole. Risk X: Avoid

Fingolimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Fingolimod. Management: Consult with the prescriber of any bradycardia-causing agent to see if the agent could be switched to an agent that does not cause bradycardia prior to initiating fingolimod. If combined, perform continuous ECG monitoring after the first fingolimod dose. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Flunarizine: May increase therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Haloperidol: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Methyldopa. Risk C: Monitor

Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Iloperidone: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Indoramin: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products: Methyldopa may decrease therapeutic effects of Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products. Management: Discontinue all drugs that may inhibit or interfere with catecholamine transport or uptake for at least 5 biological half-lives before iobenguane administration. Do not administer methyldopa until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose. Risk X: Avoid

Iron Preparations: May decrease serum concentration of Methyldopa. Management: Consider separating doses of methyldopa and orally administered iron preparation by 2 or more hours. Monitor for decreased efficacy of methyldopa if an oral iron preparation is initiated/dose increase, or increased efficacy if discontinued/dose decreased. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Isocarboxazid: May increase antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid

Ivabradine: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ivabradine. Risk C: Monitor

Lacosamide: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase AV-blocking effects of Lacosamide. Risk C: Monitor

Landiolol: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Landiolol. Risk X: Avoid

Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor

Lithium: Methyldopa may increase adverse/toxic effects of Lithium. This may occur without notable changes in serum lithium concentrations. Risk C: Monitor

Loop Diuretics: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Lormetazepam: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Metergoline: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase orthostatic hypotensive effects of Metergoline. Risk C: Monitor

Methylphenidate: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Midodrine: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Mirtazapine: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Alpha2-Agonists. Management: Consider avoiding concurrent use. If the combination cannot be avoided, monitor for decreased effects of alpha2-agonists if mirtazapine is initiated/dose increased, or increased effects if mirtazapine is discontinued/dose decreased. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Molsidomine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Methyldopa. Risk X: Avoid

Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): May decrease serum concentration of Methyldopa. Management: Consider separating doses of these products by more than 2 hours to minimize this interaction; however, the success of this action appears limited. Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of methyldopa with concurrent use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Naftopidil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nicergoline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nicorandil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor

Obinutuzumab: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Ozanimod: May increase bradycardic effects of Bradycardia-Causing Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Pentoxifylline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Perazine: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Ponesimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Ponesimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of ponesimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia when possible. If combined, monitor heart rate closely and consider obtaining a cardiology consult. Do not initiate ponesimod in patients on beta-blockers if HR is less than 55 bpm. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor

Prostacyclin Analogues: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Quinagolide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Riluzole: Methyldopa may increase adverse/toxic effects of Riluzole. Specifically, the risk of hepatotoxicity may be increased. Management: Consider alternatives to methyldopa in patients receiving treatment with riluzole due to the potential for additive hepatotoxicity. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor: May decrease therapeutic effects of Alpha2-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor

Silodosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor

Siponimod: Bradycardia-Causing Agents may increase bradycardic effects of Siponimod. Management: Avoid coadministration of siponimod with drugs that may cause bradycardia. If combined, consider obtaining a cardiology consult regarding patient monitoring. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor

TiZANidine: Alpha2-Agonists may increase hypotensive effects of TiZANidine. Risk X: Avoid

Tricyclic Antidepressants: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Alpha2-Agonists. Management: Consider avoiding this combination. If used, monitor for decreased effects of the alpha2-agonist. Exercise great caution if discontinuing an alpha2-agonist in a patient receiving a TCA. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification

Triptorelin: Hyperprolactinemic Agents may decrease therapeutic effects of Triptorelin. Risk X: Avoid

Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor

Vasopressin: Drugs Suspected of Causing SIADH may increase therapeutic effects of Vasopressin. Specifically, the pressor and antidiuretic effects of vasopressin may be increased. Risk C: Monitor

Dietary Considerations

Dietary requirements for vitamin B₁₂ and folate may be increased with high doses of methyldopa.

Reproductive Considerations

Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be continued in patients trying to become pregnant. Methyldopa is an option patients can be transitioned to when one of the preferred agents cannot be used (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]; ACOG 2019; NICE 2019).

Pregnancy Considerations

Methyldopa crosses the placenta.

Available data show use during pregnancy does not cause fetal harm and improves fetal outcomes.

Chronic maternal hypertension is associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019).

Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). If treatment for chronic hypertension during pregnancy is needed, oral methyldopa is an option; however, other agents may be preferred due to adverse events and decreased effectiveness when compared to other medications (ACOG 2019; ESC [Cífková 2020]; SOGC [Magee 2022]).

Monitoring Parameters

Blood pressure (standing, sitting/lying down), CBC, liver enzymes (periodically during the first 6 to 12 weeks of therapy or if unexplained fever occurs); Coombs' test (direct) (may obtain prior to initiation and at 6 and 12 months).

Mechanism of Action

Stimulation of central alpha-adrenergic receptors by a false neurotransmitter (alpha-methylnorepinephrine) that results in a decreased sympathetic outflow to the heart, kidneys, and peripheral vasculature

Pharmacokinetics (Adult Data Unless Noted)

Onset of action: Peak effect: Hypotensive: Single-dose: Within 3 to 6 hours (reports up to 9 hours [Wright 1982]); Multiple-dose: 48 to 72 hours.

Duration: Single-dose: 12 to 24 hours, Multiple-dose: 24 to 48 hours.

Absorption: Incomplete due to presystemic gut metabolism (Skerjanec 1995).

Distribution: V_d: 0.23 L/kg (Myhre 1982).

Protein binding: 10% to 15% (Myhre 1982).

Metabolism: Intestinal and hepatic.

Bioavailability: ~42% (Skerjanec 1995).

Half-life elimination: Neonates: 10 to 20 hours; Adults: 1.5 to 2 hours; End-stage renal disease: Prolonged (Myhre 1982).

Time to peak, plasma: 2 to 4 hours (parent drug) (Myhre 1982).

Excretion: Urine (~70% as parent drug and metabolites); excretion complete within 36 hours.

Brand Names: International

International Brand Names by Country

For country code abbreviations (show table)

(AE) United Arab Emirates: Aldomet | Dopamat | Hypolag;
(AR) Argentina: Aldomet | Dopagrand | Dopatral | Hipermet | Metildopa | Metildopa fabra;
(AT) Austria: Aldometil;
(AU) Australia: Aldomet | Aldopren | Hydopa;
(BD) Bangladesh: Alphamet | Dopamet | Dopegyt | Fidopa | Sardopa;
(BE) Belgium: Aldomet | Presinol;
(BG) Bulgaria: Aldomet | Dopegyt;
(BR) Brazil: Aldoless | Aldomet | Aldotensin | Aldotil | Angimet | Cardiodopa | Dimipress | Dometil | Dopametil | Ductomet | Etildopanan | Furp metildopa | Gendomet | Kindomet | Lfm metildopa | Medpress | Metilcord | Metildopa | Metilpress | Metilprod | Metilvita | Pressomet | Tensioval | Tildomet | Venopressin;
(CH) Switzerland: Aldomet;
(CI) Côte d'Ivoire: Aldomet | Apo methyldopa | Dopanore;
(CL) Chile: Metildopa;
(CO) Colombia: Aldomet | Alfametildopa | Metildopa;
(CZ) Czech Republic: Aldomet | Dopagen | Dopamet | Dopegyt;
(DE) Germany: Dopegyt | Methyldopa stada | Presinol | Sembrina;
(DO) Dominican Republic: Aldomet | Aldoperten | Coradopa | Dopabrit | Metildopa | Metildopa ethical;
(EC) Ecuador: Aldomet | Metildopa;
(EE) Estonia: Aldomet | Dopegyt;
(EG) Egypt: Aldomet | Alfadopa | Epidopa | Farcodopa | Kadomet | Medopa;
(ES) Spain: Aldomet;
(ET) Ethiopia: Asdopa;
(FI) Finland: Adopal | Aldomet | Dopamet | Levomet | Medopal | Medopasal | Sembrina;
(FR) France: Aldomet | Methyldopa MSD | Methyldopa RPG;
(GB) United Kingdom: Aldomet | Dopamet | Hypolar | Lederdopa | Medomet | Metalpha | Methyldopa berk | Methyldopa cox | Methyldopa dc | Methyldopa kent | Methyldopa sandoz | Methyldopa sussex;
(GR) Greece: Aldomet | Dopatens | Dopegyt;
(HK) Hong Kong: Aldomet | Aldopa | Apo methyldopa | Dopatab M | Dopegyt | Hydopa | Metopa;
(HU) Hungary: Dopegyt;
(ID) Indonesia: Aldomet | Aldomet M | Dopamet | Medopa | Tensipas;
(IE) Ireland: Aldomet | Meldopa;
(IL) Israel: Aldomin;
(IN) India: Alphadopa | Alphapress | Emdopa | Gynapres | Medopress;
(IQ) Iraq: Aldosam;
(IT) Italy: Aldomet | Medopren;
(JO) Jordan: Aldomet | Dopanore | Dopegyt | Medoram;
(JP) Japan: Aldomet | Becanta | Dansul nippon yakko | Dattoryl | Decabolamin | Des tens | Eldopane shionogi | Eldopane takata | Grospisk | Halfdopa | Ledopan | Medoba | Meprin | Methoplain | Methyldopa nichiiko | Methyldopa s.s. seiyaku | Methyldopa sawai | Methyldopa schering | Methyldopa showa | Methyldopa towa | Methyldopa tsuruhara | Polinal | Saipless l | Sankaira yoshindo | Taiadopan | Tildopan | U press dopa;
(KE) Kenya: Aldomet | Biodopa | Dawadopa | Dopamac | Hydopa | Mdp | Medopasel | Medopress | Neldomet;
(KR) Korea, Republic of: L-domex;
(KW) Kuwait: Aldomet;
(LB) Lebanon: Aldomet;
(LT) Lithuania: Aldomet | Dopegyt;
(LU) Luxembourg: Aldomet;
(LV) Latvia: Aldomet | Dopegyt;
(MA) Morocco: Aldomet | Aldopa;
(MX) Mexico: Aldomet | Hipermessel | Metildopa | Prodop | Toparal;
(MY) Malaysia: Dopamet | Dopatab M | Dopegyt | Medopa | Scandopa;
(NG) Nigeria: Aldocure | Aldomet | Aldoxi | Alpadopar | Alphamet | Bioraj methyldopa | Caldopa | Derm methyldopa | Dopaflash | Dopatab | Ketha | Kuka methyldopa | Kuric | N & n methyldopa | Nelb methyldopa | Sunshine coopharm methyldopa | Timeldopa | Vamadopa;
(NL) Netherlands: Aldomet | Methyldopa cf;
(NO) Norway: Aldomet | Dopamet | Dopegyt | Methyldopa cf;
(NZ) New Zealand: Methyldopa mylan | Methyldopa viatris | Prodopa;
(PE) Peru: Aldomet | Dopasan | Metildopa | Metildopamek | Tensodopa;
(PH) Philippines: Aldomet | Domepa | Dopamet | Doparine | Dopathyl | Dopetens | Meldopa | Ul methyldopa;
(PK) Pakistan: Aldomet | M Dopa;
(PL) Poland: Aldomet | Dopanol | Dopegyt;
(PR) Puerto Rico: Aldomet;
(PT) Portugal: Aldomet | Metildopa;
(PY) Paraguay: Aditol | Aldopa | Alfametildopa avanova | Alfametildopa dallas | Alfametildopa dutriec | Alfametildopa heisecke | Alfametildopa phi | Alfametildopa vivele | Dopa pres;
(QA) Qatar: Aldomet | Aldomet Forte | Apo-Methyldopa | Dopanore;
(RO) Romania: Aldomet | Dopegyt;
(RU) Russian Federation: Dopegyt;
(SA) Saudi Arabia: Aldomet | Apo methyldopa | Dopanore;
(SE) Sweden: Dopamet | Hyperpaxa;
(SG) Singapore: Aldomet | Apo methyldopa | Dopegyt | Medopa;
(SI) Slovenia: Dopegyt | Methyldopa stada | Presinol;
(SK) Slovakia: Dopegyt;
(SR) Suriname: Apo methyldopa | Dopatab M250 | M dopakant | Methyldopa cf | Metyldopa;
(TH) Thailand: Adomet | Aldomet | Aldomine | Alfamet | Bedomed | Dopamed | Dopamet | Dopasian | Dopegyt | Isomet | Matilda | Medomet | Medopa | Mefpa | Metpata | Nudopa | Servidopa | Siamdopa;
(TN) Tunisia: Aldomet | Dopanore | Dopegyt | Equibar | Methyldopa Teriak;
(TR) Turkey: Alfamet;
(TW) Taiwan: Aldin | Aldomet | Aldomet M | Aldopa | Almedopa | Highprepin | Medopa | Mepa | Metidopa | Nichidopa | Rivapress | Servidopa;
(UA) Ukraine: Dopegyt;
(UG) Uganda: Asdopa | Dopamet | Hydopa | Hyodopa | Medopress;
(UY) Uruguay: Aldomet | Almedop | Metildopa | Metildopa icu-vita;
(VE) Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of: Aldomet | Metildopa | Tremesal;
(VN) Viet Nam: Agidopa | Thyperopa forte;
(ZA) South Africa: Aldomet | Be-tabs methyldopa | Hy-po-tone | Hypotone | Merck-methyldopa | Rolab-methyldopa;
(ZM) Zambia: Hypotone;
(ZW) Zimbabwe: Dopatab M250 | Hypotens | Hypotone | Stridopa

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Topic 12597 Version 306.0

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Methyldopa: Pediatric drug information