Methyldopa: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Methyldopa is a centrally acting blood pressure medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for high blood pressure, including in pregnancy. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Methyldopa works

Methyldopa is converted in the brain into a substance that stimulates alpha-2 receptors. This reduces the nerve signals from the brain that tighten blood vessels and speed up the heart. As a result, blood vessels relax and blood pressure falls.

What is Methyldopa used for?

• High blood pressure
• Including in pregnancy

Methyldopa is used to treat high blood pressure. Today it is mainly prescribed for high blood pressure in pregnancy, both long-standing hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension, because it has a long record of use in pregnant women. Outside pregnancy, newer medicines are usually preferred, but it may still be used in some people alongside other treatments.

Side effects of Methyldopa

Methyldopa often causes some tiredness when it is first started. Other common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blocked nose
• Low mood

Contact your doctor promptly if you develop fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness or paleness, or a rash, as rarely it can affect the liver or blood.

Precautions and warnings

• Do not stop Methyldopa suddenly, as blood pressure can rise sharply; your doctor will reduce it gradually if needed.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, depression, or a history of anaemia.
• It can cause a positive result on a blood test called the Coombs test, so tell the hospital you take it if you need a blood transfusion.
• Drowsiness is common at first, so avoid alcohol and do not drive until you know how it affects you.
• It is widely used during pregnancy under medical supervision, but it is usually switched soon after delivery because of a link with postnatal depression, so tell your doctor about any low mood.

Frequently asked questions about Methyldopa

What is the price of Methyldopa in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Methyldopa products currently in stock range from Rs 56 to Rs 1,999 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Aldopa 250mg Tablet at Rs 56. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Methyldopa are available in Pakistan?

Methyldopa is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Aldomet (Merck Sharp & Dohme Of Pakistan Ltd (Msd)), Aldopa (Irza), Liskomet (Lisko) and Normet (Valor Pharmaceuticals).

Do I need a prescription for Methyldopa?

Yes. Methyldopa is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Methyldopa be used during pregnancy?

It is widely used during pregnancy under medical supervision, but it is usually switched soon after delivery because of a link with postnatal depression, so tell your doctor about any low mood.

Are all Methyldopa brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Methyldopa in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Methyldopa brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Methyldopa from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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