Description:

Methyldopa Tablet BP 250mg is a centrally acting antihypertensive medication. It is used to treat mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure), particularly in pregnant women where it is considered one of the safer options. Methyldopa works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, reducing sympathetic outflow and lowering peripheral vascular resistance, thereby decreasing blood pressure without significantly affecting heart rate or cardiac output.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription (typically from a physician, cardiologist, or obstetrician). It is commonly prescribed for hypertension in pregnancy due to its established safety profile.

Therapeutic Category:

Antihypertensive / Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each tablet contains: Methyldopa BP 250 mg (as anhydrous methyldopa). Excipients: Standard tablet components (e.g., starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and film-coating agents if applicable; refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 250 mg strength tablets (standard dose for hypertension; often in blister packs of 10 or 30 tablets).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Starting dose is usually 250 mg 2–3 times daily. Maintenance dose: 500 mg to 3 g daily in divided doses (maximum 3 g/day). For hypertension in pregnancy: Often started at 250 mg 2–3 times daily and titrated according to blood pressure response. Take at regular intervals. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly. Do not stop abruptly (rebound hypertension risk). Follow the doctor’s exact instructions.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness or sedation (especially at the start)
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or light headedness (orthostatic hypotension)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Rarely: Depression, liver enzyme elevation, haemolytic anaemia, or drug-induced lupus-like syndrome

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 or 30 tablets per pack; foil-aluminum blisters in carton box).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Caution in patients with liver disease (monitor liver function), depression, or pheochromocytoma.
• May cause drowsiness — avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Do not stop suddenly without medical advice (risk of rebound hypertension).
• Pregnancy: Widely used and considered relatively safe (Category B). Breastfeeding: Compatible but monitor infant.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, liver function, and blood counts is recommended with long-term use.
• Report symptoms such as unexplained fever, yellowing of skin/eyes, or unusual bleeding promptly.

Product Substitutes: Other methyldopa 250mg tablets in Ghana: Aldomet (original MSD, if available), generic methyldopa from various importers, or brands from Kinapharma or Dannex. Alternatives for hypertension in pregnancy: Labetalol, nifedipine, or hydralazine — consult an obstetrician or cardiologist.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Hovid Berhad.

Country of Origin:

Malaysia.