- As of 2021, methydopa is unavailable in U.S., and production has been discontinued
- Safe in Lactation
- Pregnancy Category B
- Long safety record in pregnancy
- Significant Liver Disease
- See Alpha Adrenergic Central Agonist
- See Alpha Adrenergic Receptor
- Central Acting Adrenergic Agonist
- Activates alpha-2 receptors that inhibit CNS sympathetic signals (similar to Clonidine)
- Results in increased parasympathetic effects and side effects
- Methylnorepinephrine (Methyldopa) metabolite
- Weak Sympathomimetic that also decreases CNS sympathetic outflow
- Start: 250 mg orally twice to three times daily
- Maintenance: 500 mg orally twice daily
- Maximum: Up to 3000 mg daily in divided doses
- Start: 250-500 mg IV every 6 hours (up to 1000 mg every 6 hours)
- Dose: 10 mg/kg/day divided bid to qid
- Maximum: 65 mg/kg/day up to 3000 mg/day in divided doses
- As of 2021, methydopa is unavailable in U.S., and production has been discontinued
- Weak Antihypertensive
- Less tolerated (Fatigue, Dizziness) than other agents
- See Alpha Adrenergic Central Agonist
- Somnolence
- Dry Mouth
- Orthostatic Hypotension or Dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Nightmares
- Involuntary movements
- Hepatotoxicity
-
Sodium and water retention
- Reflex renin release in response to excessive Clonidine and renal hypoperfusion
- Discontinue for Congestive Heart Failure signs
-
Hemolytic Anemia (rare, serious)
- Coombs positive
- Monitor Complete Blood Count
-
Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Decreased clonidine Antihypertensive effect
-
CNS Depressants (e.g. Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates)
- Increase Clonidine related CNS effects (e.g. Somnolence)
- (2020) Med Lett Drugs Ther 62(1598): 73-80
- Olson (2020) Clinical Pharmacology, MedMaster, Miami, p. 64-5
- Hamilton (2010) Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopeia, Jones and Bartlett, p. 76