Individual generic drug information

methyldopa

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

METHYLDOPA

Reference record: METHYLDOPA
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 211, 212
Age groups indexed: Not recorded

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Some source sections could not be separated reliably in the extraction. Review the printed source pages when a field is missing or incomplete.

Overview

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Therapeutic Action

Centrally acting antihypertensive

Source page 211

Indications

Hypertension in pregnancy

Source page 211

Safety

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Do not administer to patients with active liver disease, history of drug-induced hepatitis, severe depression. Administer with caution to patients with hepatic impairment, and reduce doses in patients with renal impairment. May cause: orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, dry mouth; rarely: haematological, hepatic, mental disorders; allergic reactions. Stop treatment in the event of haemolytic anaemia or jaundice. In the event of unexplained fever during treatment, check blood count and transaminases for possible hepatitis due to methyldopa. Monitor combination with lithium (risk of lithium overdose), antidepressants (enhanced hypotensive effect), CNS depressants (increased sedation). Pregnancy: no contra-indication Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Source page 211

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Forms And Strengths

250 mg tablet

Source page 211

Dosage

Initially 250 mg 2 to 3 times daily for 2 days, then increase gradually if necessary by 250 mg every 2 to 3 days, until the optimal dose is reached, usually 1.5 g daily. Do not exceed 3 g daily.

Source page 211

Duration

According to clinical response. Do not stop treatment abruptly; reduce doses gradually.

Source page 211

Clinical care

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Storage

Below 25 °C

Source page 212

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

No dose block was identified for this age filter. This does not establish whether the drug is suitable for that age group.

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.

Individual generic drug information

methyldopa

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

METHYLDOPA

Reference record: METHYLDOPA
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 211, 212
Age groups indexed: Not recorded

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Some source sections could not be separated reliably in the extraction. Review the printed source pages when a field is missing or incomplete.

Overview

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Therapeutic Action

Centrally acting antihypertensive

Source page 211

Indications

Hypertension in pregnancy

Source page 211

Safety

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Source page 211

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Forms And Strengths

250 mg tablet

Source page 211

Dosage

Initially 250 mg 2 to 3 times daily for 2 days, then increase gradually if necessary by 250 mg every 2 to 3 days, until the optimal dose is reached, usually 1.5 g daily. Do not exceed 3 g daily.

Source page 211

Duration

According to clinical response. Do not stop treatment abruptly; reduce doses gradually.

Source page 211

Clinical care

Extracted information for METHYLDOPA only.

Storage

Below 25 °C

Source page 212

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

No dose block was identified for this age filter. This does not establish whether the drug is suitable for that age group.

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.