Some of us have a condition called 'pressure' or high blood pressure, right? Usually, this can be controlled at home by taking the pills prescribed by the doctor. However, sometimes, there are times when the pressure increases to a dangerous level that cannot be controlled. At such times, you have to be hospitalized. When you are hospitalized, a special injection called methyldopa is given to quickly control your blood pressure. So, today, let's talk about this important medicine in a little more detail.
Simply put, what is methyldopa?
Methyldopa is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is most commonly given as an injection into a vein in a hospital, especially in cases where blood pressure is very high and emergency treatment is needed. It works by widening the blood vessels slightly, reducing the strain on the heart, and bringing blood pressure back to normal.
What should the doctor know before giving you this medicine?
Before deciding to give you this medicine, your doctor will ask you some questions. It is very important that you tell your doctor this information accurately. This is for your safety.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to mention them:
- If you have anemia .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis).
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to methyldopa, a chemical called sulfite, or any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Do not hide this information from your doctor. It is essential for the success and safety of your treatment.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. This is an intravenous infusion. This means that the medicine is slowly given into your vein from a bottle, like saline. This is done in a hospital or clinic, by a doctor or a trained nurse. So you have nothing to worry about.
Is this medicine given to children?
Yes, sometimes children also have to be given this medicine. But it requires special care. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and follow his advice.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given under medical supervision in a hospital, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of the medicine, inform your doctor or nursing staff immediately. Alternatively, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can affect each other when taken together. We call this drug interaction. There are medications that can interact with methyldopa.
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): This is a special class of medications used to treat conditions such as depression. Examples include `Carbex`, `Eldepryl`, `Marplan`, `Nardil`, `Parnate`. Taking methyldopa with these is strictly prohibited .
- Other medications:
- Lithium (a medication for mental illness)
- Other medications for high blood pressure
This list is not complete. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So do not drive, use machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: Don't get out of bed, get up from a chair, or sit down suddenly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Be especially careful if you are elderly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make you feel more sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water can help control this. If this problem persists or is severe, talk to your doctor.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, methyldopa can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. See the table below.
| Possible side effects of Methyldopa | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue | Slow heartbeat |
| Black, sore tongue | Stomach pain |
| Chest pain | Swelling of the feet or legs |
| Dark yellow or brown urine | Feeling unusually tired or weak |
| Depression | Yellowing of the eyes or skin (Jaundice) |
| Insomnia, nightmares | Fever (most often within the first 3 months of starting treatment) |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Abnormal milk production in women | Headache |
| Breast enlargement in both men and women | Nausea, vomiting |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | Numbness in the limbs |
| Diarrhea | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have any further questions about this, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Methyldopa is an injection given into a vein in a hospital for high blood pressure.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about your other illnesses and all medications you are taking.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, be careful when performing tasks that require concentration.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as yellowing of the skin, fever, chest pain, or severe swelling, notify your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න