Methyldopa

Hypertension, Hypertensive disease, Therapeutic procedure

Treatment

1 FDA approval

20 Active Studies for Methyldopa

What is Methyldopa

Methyldopa

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Methyldopa is a drug used to lower blood pressure. It is an analog of DOPA and needs to be converted into an active form in order to have an effect on the body. It works by binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which helps lower the activity of the nerves that control blood vessel constriction. First approved in 1960, it is still used to treat hypertension, although newer drugs are available that are better tolerated. Methyldopa is sometimes given as an intravenous injection when oral therapy is not possible or to manage a hypertensive crisis.

Aldoril

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Methyldopa Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Aldoril

Methyldopa

1962

32

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Methyldopa, otherwise known as Aldoril, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses like Hypertensive disease .

Hypertensive disease

Helps manage High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Effectiveness

How Methyldopa Affects Patients

Methyldopa helps to lower blood pressure by targeting the body’s sympathetic nervous system and reducing the concentrations of certain hormones. It usually begins to work within 12 to 24 hours, and the maximum effect on blood pressure can be seen in 4 to 6 hours. The effects wear off after 24 to 48 hours when the drug is stopped. When taken intravenously, the effects can last for 10 to 16 hours.

How Methyldopa works in the body

Methyldopa works by blocking nerve signals that cause blood vessels to constrict. It is metabolized into two active compounds that bind to receptors in the brainstem, which in turn reduces the output of signals to the peripheral nervous system. This creates a calming, vasodilator effect, which lowers the blood pressure. Methyldopa also blocks an enzyme called DOPA decarboxylase, which helps make neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, but this plays only a small role in lowering blood pressure.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Methyldopa is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Therapeutic procedure, Hypertensive crisis and Hypertensive disease. The amount of dosage also is dependent upon the mode of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Tablet, film coated - Oral) identified in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Hypertension

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL

Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Liquid - Intravenous, Liquid

Hypertensive disease

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL

Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Liquid - Intravenous, Liquid

Therapeutic procedure

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL

Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Liquid - Intravenous, Liquid

Warnings

Methyldopa Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

history of liver disorders caused by methyldopa

Do Not Combine

Liver Diseases

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Methyldopa may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Methyldopa.

Common Methyldopa Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amifostine

Major

Methyldopa may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.

Iobenguane

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Iobenguane can be decreased when used in combination with Methyldopa.

Abacavir

Minor

Methyldopa may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.

Aclidinium

Minor

Methyldopa may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.

Acrivastine

Minor

Methyldopa may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.

Methyldopa Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest amount of Methyldopa that has been found to be toxic in a female is 44 gm/kg taken intermittently. For rats, the toxic amount is 5000 mg/kg and for mice it's 5300 mg/kg. If someone overdoses on Methyldopa, they may experience low blood pressure, excessive drowsiness, slow heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Treatment for Methyldopa overdose includes gastric lavage or emesis, infusions, and monitoring of blood volume, electrolyte balance, and other body functions. Medications like levarterenol, epinephrine, and

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Methyldopa Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Methyldopa?

18 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the potential of Methyldopa to provide a therapeutic intervention, Hypertensive disease relief, and Hypertensive crisis management.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Hypertension

0 Actively Recruiting

Therapeutic procedure

0 Actively Recruiting

Hypertensive disease

42 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2

Methyldopa Reviews: What are patients saying about Methyldopa?

5

Patient Review

10/12/2009

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I was originally prescribed 250 mg twice daily, but my doctor increased the dosage to 500mg after three weeks in order to mitigate some of the more severe side effects (such as fainting). I have experienced dry mouth and dizziness at times, but those symptoms usually go away within a few days. I am also trying to conceive, so this medication was a better option for me than diovan. If you are thinking about starting this medication, I recommend talking to your doctor about slowly increasing the dose over time. This has worked well for me and has helped keep my blood pressure under control.

5

Patient Review

10/14/2009

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

Methyldopa has been a great switch for me. I was originally taking Micardis, but I didn't like it very much. Methyldopa has had no negative side effects that I've noticed and my blood pressure has been excellent since starting this medication.

4.7

Patient Review

6/4/2014

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I was really lucky and didn't experience any negative side effects, except for my blood pressure going down. My nephrologist had me start taking it during my first pregnancy, and I took it for a few months after while trying to get pregnant again. So far so good!

3.7

Patient Review

10/12/2009

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

3.3

Patient Review

1/25/2016

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I've been taking this medication for almost four years now, originally starting when I became pregnant. It's done a great job of managing my blood pressure, even during pregnancy. However, the only downside is that I feel constantly tired and fatigued.

3

Patient Review

7/25/2018

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I sweat excessively and feel incredibly sluggish when I even try to walk a short distance.

2.7

Patient Review

2/5/2011

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I began this medication when I became pregnant and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The dosage was increased over time, but I still lost the baby. I'm wondering if there's a correlation here.

2

Patient Review

9/8/2011

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I had a litany of terrible side effects while taking this medication, which did not effectively control my blood pressure. I spent more time in the hospital than at home while on this medicine, and would not recommend it to anyone.

2

Patient Review

5/7/2019

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

Unfortunately, this medication has caused more pain in my left side and chest tightness. I'm not sure what the next step should be.

2

Patient Review

4/20/2013

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

My feet, ankles, and legs were significantly swollen.

1.7

Patient Review

3/21/2013

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I began this regimen yesterday, 250mg twice daily. I am feeling very ill and exhausted, to the point that I can't keep anything down. The pharmacy said to give it a couple days, but I'm not so sure. We are trying to conceive so they said this is my only route...

1.3

Patient Review

4/28/2010

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I started taking this medication because we are trying to get pregnant and I was told that it would be safe for my baby. After one week of taking it twice a day, my blood pressure had lowered to 110/78 from 174/102. I did feel a little sleepy and dizzy after the first few doses, but those results were worth it to me.

1

Patient Review

11/14/2020

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I've been on this medication for an extended period of time with no change in my condition. I've gradually increased the dosage as prescribed, and still see no difference. This is a total waste of time and money.

1

Patient Review

11/28/2010

Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure

I developed hypertension and was put on this medication. After eight months, the dosage was increased 500mg three times a day. This medicine worked for a while to lower my blood pressure; however, I stopped responding to the medication after a while. I also experienced fatigue, mood changes, and dizziness as side effects which led me to switch medications.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about methyldopa

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the most common side effect of methyldopa?

"upset stomach

The more common side effects of methyldopa include: drowsiness, headaches, lack of energy, and upset stomachs."

Answered by AI

Is methyldopa an alpha blocker?

"Methyldopa works by binding to alpha(α)-2 adrenergic receptors, which leads to the inhibition of adrenergic neuronal outflow and reduction of vasoconstrictor adrenergic signals."

Answered by AI

Is methyldopa a beta blocker?

"2. Over time, alpha-methyldopa will often lower the total peripheral resistance, but the decrease in cardiac output is usually small, both when resting and during exercise. The beta-blockers lower blood pressure, but also lead to a significant decrease in cardiac output and heart rate."

Answered by AI

Why methyldopa is used in pregnancy?

"Methyldopa can help lower blood pressure and prevent pre-eclampsia, which can cause problems like preterm birth, low birth weight, and serious illness for both the mother and baby."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Methyldopa

Image of Caridad Center, Inc. in Boynton Beach, United States.

CHW Nutrition Support for Type 2 Diabetes

18+
All Sexes
Boynton Beach, FL

This study tests whether adding CHW support to usual nutrition care helps adults with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease manage their diet and health. At Caridad Center, a free clinic in Palm Beach County, Florida, usual care includes medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian and medically tailored groceries. Many patients find it hard to keep up dietary changes because of limited nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, food costs, and cultural fit. Two hundred adults will be randomly assigned to usual care or usual care plus INTEGRATE-CHW, a 12-week program of six sessions with a trained CHW. In each session the participant selects one or two goals from the dietitian's plan and builds an action plan with the CHW. The dietitian remains responsible for the nutrition plan. The study will compare nutrition self-efficacy, nutrition literacy, diet quality, food security, and clinical measures between groups at baseline and Week 12. It will also evaluate how well the program fits into routine clinic care.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Caridad Center, Inc.

Janet Diaz Martinez

Image of Satellite Healthcare - Daly City in San Francisco, United States.

Blood Pressure Management for Kidney Failure

18+
All Sexes
San Francisco, CA

The GOAL-BP pilot study will help determine whether a study comparing two blood pressure goals can be carried out in adults with end-stage kidney disease and high blood pressure who receive peritoneal dialysis. The main questions it aims to answer are whether eligible patients can be recruited for the study. Researchers will compare two goals for the top blood pressure number (systolic blood pressure): below 120 mmHg versus below 140 mmHg.This pilot study will help plan a larger trial in the future. Participants will: * Be assigned by chance to one of the two blood pressure goals. * Have their blood pressure measured at clinic visits about every two weeks. * Work with their kidney doctor on recommended changes to fluid management, peritoneal dialysis treatment, or blood pressure medicines to reach their assigned goal. * Be part of the study for about four and a half months.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Satellite Healthcare - Daly City (+2 Sites)

Chi-yuan Hsu, MD, MS

Image of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, United States.

Barber and Pharmacist Coordination for High Blood Pressure

35 - 79
Male
Los Angeles, CA

The original, "Cut Your Pressure Too: The LA Barbershop Blood Pressure Study (LABBPS)" (NCT02321618) was a highly successful cluster-randomized trial of a community centered blood pressure (BP) reduction program focused on Non-Hispanic (NH) black men who experience the highest rates of hypertension (HTN) and its complications. Patrons of 52 barbershops in Los Angeles County were randomly assigned to either an intervention arm in which barbers encouraged meetings with trained clinical pharmacists who provided HTN treatment in the barbershops or a control arm in which barbers provided educational pamphlets on HTN and encouraged physician appointments. After 6 months, the intervention group had a statistically significant reduction in systolic BP (SBP) of 21.6 mmHg compared to the control group. Results were durable at 1 year. Thereafter, a pilot study (NCT03726710) aimed at improving the efficiency of the barbershop model of HTN care by substituting in-person visits with video visits once BP was at goal was undertaken in 10 hypertensive barbershop patrons. The intervention effect was unchanged. The current study represents Aim 3 of an NIH funded renewal application entitled, "Barber and Pharmacist Coordination to Improve Blood Pressure Management in Black Men." It will build upon the foundational work of the original study and telemedicine pilot by evaluating the efficacy of a fully remote hypertension management program.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Christine Albert, MD, MPH

Image of Foothills Medical Center in Calgary, Canada.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for High Blood Pressure

18+
All Sexes
Calgary, Canada

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Medications work well for many people, but some people still have blood pressure that stays too high, or they have side effects from their medications. Researchers are looking for treatments that do not involve taking more medication. Nerves help control blood pressure by changing how blood vessels tighten and how hard the heart pumps. Because of this, treatments that act on nerves may be able to lower blood pressure. Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment already used to manage long-term pain. It uses a small device, placed under the skin during a standard operation, that sends mild electrical signals to the spine. Laboratory studies suggest that stimulating the lower part of the mid-back may also lower blood pressure, but this has not been carefully studied in people who already use these devices. This study will look at whether changing the settings on a spinal cord stimulator affects blood pressure. About 11 adults who have high blood pressure and who already have a spinal cord stimulator for long-term pain. No new device will be placed, and no surgery or other invasive procedure will be done for this study. Participants attend a series of study visits. At each visit, trained staff record blood pressure and heart rate while the stimulator is turned on, turned off, and set to other settings that the person's care team has approved and that the person finds comfortable. There are rest breaks between each setting. Over successive visits, the study team works to identify the settings that best lower blood pressure. Participants can stop at any time, and their usual settings are restored at the end of each visit. The study will also look at whether this kind of testing is practical and comfortable for participants. The results will help researchers decide whether larger studies of spinal cord stimulation for blood pressure control are worth doing.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Foothills Medical Center

Aaron Phillips, PhD

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Image of Department of Family & Community Medicine; University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, United States.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

18+
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

The researchers will invite 30 patients in primary care who have high blood pressure to participate in this health program with a supportive partner of their choosing (these will be the "participant pairs"). Participant pairs will be invited to complete the Heart Care Pairs health program that will include up to six sessions each including 1) some education on a health habit like physical activity and heart healthy foods, 2) goal setting together, and 3) talk about healthy communication to support one another with heart healthy habits. The researchers will work with participants to address things that get in the way of coming for visits like offering transportation and offering telehealth visits. The researchers are seeing how this program works in real life so participants will be asked to complete as many sessions as they want to and can attend. The researchers will be interested in what participants think about the sessions, if they were satisfied with the visits, and if they would recommend the program to others in their community. The researchers will ask these questions in interviews with participants. The researchers will also ask up to 25 primary care workers about how they view the program as helpful to their work with patients with high blood pressure and whether they would refer more patients to the program in the future.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Department of Family & Community Medicine; University of Alabama at Birmingham

Image of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in London, Canada.

BASIC-S Intervention for Cardiovascular Risk

18+
All Sexes
London, Canada

Vascular risk factors drive stroke, heart disease, and dementia, but translating lifestyle guidelines into routine clinical care remains challenging. To address this, we developed BASIC-S (Blood Pressure, Activity, Sleep, Interaction, Consumption, and Support), a framework targeting Blood pressure, Activity, Sleep, Interaction (socially), Consumption (nutrition), and Support using partner support and motivational interviewing. This individual-focused approach bypasses the logistical and financial barriers of complex clinical interventions by using sustained behavioral science to support gradual lifestyle changes. This study is a single-center, mixed-methods, cluster-randomized pilot trial evaluating the feasibility of the BASIC-S protocol in an occupational setting. A maximum of 60 households (120 participants) will be randomized 1:1 to either the BASIC-S intervention (motivational coaching, secure video check-ins, automated text messages, and a digital workbook) or standard care. Outcomes will assess feasibility, acceptability, and the validity of new tracking metrics to inform a future full-scale trial.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)

Image of NeuroFit Lab, Ivor Wynne Centre, McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada.

Isometric Handgrip Exercise for High Blood Pressure

65+
All Sexes
Hamilton, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a short, supervised isometric handgrip exercise program is feasible and acceptable for older adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. It will also explore whether this type of exercise may improve blood pressure and cognitive function. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is this handgrip exercise program practical and acceptable for older adults to participate in within a community exercise setting? * Does participation in the program lead to changes in blood pressure and cognitive function? Researchers will compare two handgrip devices to determine whether the method of delivering the exercise influences feasibility and outcomes. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to use one of two handgrip devices. * Complete supervised exercise sessions twice per week for 4 weeks. * Perform brief handgrip contractions at a set intensity during each session. * Complete blood pressure and cognitive assessments before and after the program.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

NeuroFit Lab, Ivor Wynne Centre, McMaster University (+1 Sites)

Jennifer Heisz, PhD

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Image of UPMC Magee Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, United States.

Mobile Health Program for High Blood Pressure After Preeclampsia

18+
Female
Pittsburgh, PA

Strategies targeted to optimize hypertension (HTN) control for midlife women after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have not been studied, despite evidence of a critical need. This proposal targets the 10-20 years postpartum as a key time when women have subclinical cardiovascular (CV) sequelae of uncontrolled HTN and are primed for CV prevention interventions. Before proceeding with large-scale intervention trials of a home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and coaching intervention following HDP, further pilot testing is necessary. The overarching hypothesis of this proposal is that a new monitoring and treatment paradigm utilizing HBPM combined with a virtual coaching intervention would be better than standard of care for mid-life women with prior HDP who develop HTN. Women will be assigned in an unblinded manner to the intervention or standard of care control group.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

UPMC Magee Womens Hospital

Malamo Countouris, MD, MS

Image of UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus in San Francisco, United States.

Blood Pressure Monitoring for Atrial Fibrillation

18+
All Sexes
San Francisco, CA

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if screening for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heart rhythm, through daily home blood pressure monitoring will decrease the time to atrial fibrillation diagnosis in older adults with hypertension. The main question it aims to answer is: \-- Does introducing screening for AFib using a blood pressure monitor with AFib detection technology decrease time to AFib diagnosis in patients with high blood pressure, compared to usual care using a conventional home blood pressure monitor with no AFib detection? Participants will participate in two phases of the study: (1) clinical trial and (2) the registry. During the 6-month clinical trial period, participants will be asked to: * Take blood pressure measurements twice daily * Answer short weekly mobile app-based surveys * If assigned, complete continuous heart monitoring for 2 weeks and complete 1 blood test During the 12-month registry period, participants will be asked to: * Take blood pressure measurements twice daily * Answer monthly mobile app-based surveys Researchers will compare standard blood pressure measurements and AFib screening blood pressure measurements to see if there is a difference in the time to AFib diagnosis and other cardiovascular events. Participants will participate in two phases of the study: (1) trial and (2) the registry. During the 6-month trial period, participants will be asked to: * Take daily blood pressure measurements * Answer short weekly mobile app-based surveys * If assigned, complete continuous heart monitoring for 2 weeks and complete 1 blood test During the 12-month registry period, participants will be asked to: * Take daily blood pressure measurements * Answer monthly mobile app-based surveys

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus

Gregory M Marcus, MD, MAS

Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.

Image of Hāmākua-Kohala Health Center in Honokaa, United States.

Produce Prescription for High Blood Pressure

18+
All Sexes
Honokaa, HI

This multi-site randomized controlled trial uses a community-based approach to evaluate a Food as Medicine program for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults in Hawaii who have high blood pressure and difficulty affording healthy food. The study has two main goals: (1) to implement a produce prescription program and see if adding personal support from Community Health Workers (CHW) improves blood pressure among other health outcomes, and (2) to determine the program's cost-effectiveness. The study will take place across three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Hawaii. Produce prescription program participants at each site will receive $100 per month, either in the form of produce boxes or monthly vouchers to purchase fruits and vegetables, for 12 months (totaling $1200). In past studies, personal challenges (e.g., lack of transportation, lack of cooking skills) have made it difficult for participants to use the vouchers and/or the purchased produce. In other food as medicine interventions, participants have similarly faced various personal, social, and environmental barriers that limit the program's efficacy. To help participants navigate through these challenges, the investigators want to test adding 1-on-1 support from a CHW throughout the program. Other studies have found that health interventions delivered by CHWs have been effective in reducing blood pressure, blood glucose and weight, especially among vulnerable populations, such as NHPIs and those with food insecurity. The CHWs in this study will receive a training using a curriculum tailored specifically to their community and that is in alignment with the Pilinahā: The Four Connections Framework, which focuses on key connections that Indigenous people seek to attain health and can be employed to overcome health disparities. To test the effectiveness of the added CHW support, there will be two groups of participants: Group 1 (Intervention) will receive the monthly produce prescription ($100 vouchers or produce box) plus meet with a CHW every two months for support with program challenges. Group 2 (Control) will receive the same monthly produce prescription, but will not have meetings with a CHW. The investigators want to see if the added support from CHWs leads to better blood pressure results, among other health outcomes. Upon providing informed consent and enrolling into the program, produce prescription program participants will: * Attend 5 study visits over the one year program. These happen at the start, and then at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. * Complete health checks at the first visit. This includes getting a home blood pressure monitor and learning about heart health and nutrition. Staff will measure height, weight, waist size, and blood pressure. * Answer surveys about their demographic background, health habits, diet, and culture. * Receive $100 in vouchers every month for 12 months to redeem for fruits and vegetables at a local retailer. * Group 1 will additionally meet with a CHW every two months for 1-on-1 support with any challenges related to the program. * Group 2 will receive monthly reminders to use their vouchers but no CHW meetings. After the program ends, researchers will analyze the financial value of the intervention. This involves calculating the total cost to run the program (including vouchers, CHW training and salaries, and administrative costs) and comparing it to potential savings in healthcare costs. By looking at improvements in blood pressure, researchers can estimate how many heart-related health problems were prevented and how much money was saved on medical care.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Hāmākua-Kohala Health Center (+2 Sites)

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