Aldomet Tablets 250mg 100s

What it is used for: Hypertension.

Indications as listed by the manufacturer: In the treatment of hypertension.

How it works: It 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).

Active ingredient: Methyldopa.

Reported side effects: Digestive: 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.

Known drug interactions: Lithium: 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.

Initiation of therapy: The usual starting dosage of methyldopa is 250 mg two or three times a day in the first 48 hours. The daily dosage then may be increased or decreased, preferably at intervals of not less than two days, until an adequate response is achieved . Maintenance Therapy : The usual daily dosage of methyldopa is 500 mg to 2 g in two to four doses. OR As directed by your physician.

Follow your doctor’s instructions. The dosage above is the usual range — your prescription takes precedence over it.

Active ingredient: Methyldopa. Labelled strength: 250mg.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.

Manufactured by Aldomet Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd.. Country of origin: Pakistan.