Aldomet (Methyldopa)

Do’s

• Take Aldomet exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with or without food, usually 2-4 times daily.
• Start a new prescription or increased dosage in the evening to minimize side effects.
• If your doses are unequal, take the larger dose at bedtime.
• Take Aldomet regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.
• Continue taking this medication even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
• Discuss any concerns about worsening blood pressure with your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Don't take Aldomet differently than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't skip doses or stop taking Aldomet abruptly.
• Don't take more Aldomet than prescribed.
• Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about when to take the medication.
• Don't be surprised if the effectiveness of Aldomet weakens over time. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential adjustments to your treatment plan.

Common side effects of Aldomet may include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Weakness

Serious side effects of Aldomet are rare but may include:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Water retention (edema) or weight gain
• High blood pressure (hypertension) in certain patients
• Serious liver or pancreas problems, such as loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Serious eye symptoms, such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms, such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Aldomet,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to Aldomet or its ingredients.

Disclose your medical history: Tell your healthcare provider about liver disease, anemia, heart failure, pheochromocytoma, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency before using Aldomet.

Avoid activities requiring alertness. Aldomet may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Don't drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities needing focus until you feel safe.

Limit alcohol and marijuana. These substances can worsen dizziness and drowsiness caused by Aldomet.

Disclose all medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal) before surgery.

Beware of falls. Older adults may be more sensitive to dizziness and fainting, increasing the risk of falls.

Discuss using Aldomet if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Aldomet passes into breast milk. Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.