Health Library Methyldopa for Chronic Hypertension During PregnancyFrom Healthwise

Methyldopa reduces high blood pressure (hypertension). It is given as tablets or liquid (orally) or through a vein ( intravenously, or IV).

Methyldopa affects the nerves that relax the walls of blood vessels, causing the blood vessels to widen (dilate) and thus reducing blood pressure.

Methyldopa is used to help control blood pressure in chronic hypertension during pregnancy. Other medicines may be added for blood pressure control, if needed.

Methyldopa is not used in women who have liver or kidney disease.

Methyldopa is usually effective for the control of chronic hypertension during pregnancy.¹

The side effects of methyldopa are usually mild and may include:

• Sleepiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Weakness when treatment first begins.
• Low blood pressure.
• Swelling of the feet and legs and weight gain caused by fluid retention (edema).
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Blood abnormalities (rare).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Methyldopa is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is often the first medicine chosen to lower high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Methyldopa is most often used in its oral form for the treatment of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Methyldopa does not begin lowering blood pressure until 4 to 6 hours after it is taken. Therefore, it is not a good choice when blood pressure needs to be lowered quickly.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Magee LA (2001). Antihypertensives. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 15(6): 827–845.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: November 22, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
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