hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide and methyldopa

Brand name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide-methyldopa, Aldoril 15, Aldoril 25, Aldoril D30, Aldoril D50

What is the most important information I should know about methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa (Apresoline) or hydrochlorothiazide, if you are unable to urinate, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis), or a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa.

Do not take this medication if you are have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

Before using methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), angina pectoris (chest pain), asthma or allergies, gout, lupus, diabetes, an allergy to sulfa drugs, or if you have ever had a stroke.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other medicines that can interact with methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What is methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide?

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you have:

• liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis);

• a history of liver problems caused by taking methyldopa;

• if you are unable to urinate; or

• if you are have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

Before using methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• angina pectoris (chest pain);

• asthma or allergies;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.