PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

MEDICINE TO TREAT: High Blood Pressure

Methyldopa

1. What is the medicine used for?

Methyldopa is used to control high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels. When the blood vessels relax and open up, your blood pressure will be lowered.

2. How should I take the medicine?

 Do not stop taking your medicines without checking with your doctors.  If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.  You can take this medicine with or without food.

3. What are the possible side effects of the medicine?

The common side effects of this medicine include dizziness, drowsiness, headache and stuffy nose. These problems should get better over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This medicine can bring down your blood pressure when you change positions from a lying to sitting position or from a sitting to standing position. You may feel giddy or light headed if this happens. However, the symptoms are usually not serious and last only for a short while. You can prevent this by getting up from a sitting or lying position slowly.

You should check with your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

 Swelling of ankles or feet  Sudden weight gain with no reason  Decreased sexual desire or ability  Breast swelling or tenderness  Changes in your mood

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:  Feeling very tired  Fever with no reason  Dark coloured urine

Page 1 of 2 PH002-027-E-0617-V1  Nausea and vomiting that does not go away  Very bad stomach pain  Yellowing of your skin or eyes  Chest pain, slow heartbeat

4. How do I know if I am allergic to this medicine?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:  Swollen face/eyes/lips  Difficulty in breathing  Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medicine immediately and see your doctor.

5. What precautions should I follow when taking the medicine?

Before starting on this medicine, inform your doctor if you  Are allergic to methyldopa  Have liver problems  Have pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland)  Have a blood problem called haemolytic anaemia  Are taking medicines for depression (low mood) such as moclobemide  Are taking medicines for Parkinson’s disease such as selegiline or rasagiline

If you are breastfeeding, you should inform your doctor too.

Be careful when driving or operating machinery as this medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not take alcohol and other medicines that make you less alert.

6. How should I store the medicine?

 Keep your medicines in the original container or packaging, tightly closed or sealed in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.  Keep the medicine out of reach of children.  Throw away all expired medicines.

This leaflet answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

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