pharmacy

Aldomet Tablets SpecificationRequires Prescription (YES/NO)YesGenericsMethyldopaUsed ForHypertensionHow it worksIt appears that several mechanisms of action account for the clinically useful effects of methyldopa and the current generally accepted view is that its principal action is on the central nervous system. The antihypertensive effect of methyldopa is probably due to its metabolism to alpha-methylnoradrenaline, which lowers arterial pressure by stimulation of central inhibitory alpha-adrenergic receptors, false neurotransmission, and/or reduction of plasma renin activity. Methyldopa has been shown to cause a net reduction in the tissue concentration of serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).Aldomet Tablets Usage And SafetyDosageMethyldopaSide EffectsDigestive: Pancreatitis, colitis, vomiting, diarrhea, sialadenitis, sore or ?black? tongue, nausea, constipation, distension, flatus, dryness of mouth.Endocrine: Hyperprolactinemia.Hematologic: Bone marrow depression, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia; positive tests for antinuclear antibody, LE cells, and rheumatoid factor, positive Coombs test.Hepatic: Liver disorders including hepatitis, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests .Hypersensitivity: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, lupus-like syndrome, drug-related fever, eosinophilia. Drug InteractionsLithium: When methyldopa and lithium are given concomitantly the patient should be monitored carefully for symptoms of lithium toxicity.Other antihypertensive drugs: When methyldopa is used with other antihypertensive drugs, potentiation of antihypertensive action may occur. The progress of patients should be carefully followed to detect side reactions or manifestations of drug idiosyncrasy.Other classes of drug: The antihypertensive effect of 'methyldopa' may be diminished by sympathomimetics, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs . In addition, phenothiazines may have additive hypotensive effects.Iron: Several studies demonstrate a decrease in the bioavailability of methyldopa when it is ingested with ferrous sulphate or ferrous gluconate. This may adversely affect blood pressure control in patients treated with methyldopa.IndicationIn the treatment of hypertension.When not to UseIt is contraindicated in patients:? with active hepatic disease, such as acute hepatitis and active cirrhosis.? with liver disorders previously associated with methyldopa therapy .? with hypersensitivity to any component of these products.? on therapy with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Aldomet Tablets PrecautionsPrecautionPatients may require reduced doses of anaesthetics when on methyldopa. If hypotension does occur during anaesthesia, it can usually be controlled by vasopressors. The adrenergic receptors remain sensitive during treatment with methyldopa.Aldomet Tablets WarningsWarning 1Some patients taking methyldopa experience clinical edema or weight gain which may be controlled by use of a diuretic. Methyldopa should not be continued if edema progresses or signs of heart failure appear.Warning 2It is important to recognize that a positive Coombs test, hemolytic anemia, and liver disorders may occur with methyldopa therapy.Warning 3Methyldopa should be used with caution in patients with a history of previous liver disease or dysfunction .Aldomet Tablets Additional InformationPregnancy categoryAlways consult your physician before using any medicine.Storage (YES/NO)Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.