Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 14, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Aldoril

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist/Thiazide Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist

Chemical Class: Thiazide

Uses for methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Methyldopa works by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, it relaxes blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide helps reduce the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine. These actions help to lower blood pressure.

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide in children with use in other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, or signs of too much potassium loss may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not