What is Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

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 is the most important information I should know about Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

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.

Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting
feeling drowsy, restless, or light-headed
chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat
muscle pain or weakness
jerky or rolling muscle movements that you cannot control
confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness
painful or difficult urination
urinating less than usual or not at all
swelling in your face, stomach, hands, or feet
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; or
joint pain or swelling with fever, chest pain, or tired feeling

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation
soreness or black discoloration of your tongue
headache
dizziness, spinning sensation
muscle or joint pain; or
blurred vision

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa Interactions

What other drugs affect Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

lithium
medicines that contain iron, such as ferrous gluconate (Fergon, Ferralet, Simron), or ferrous sulfate (Chem-Sol, Feosol, Slow Fe, and others)
digoxin (Lanoxin)
steroids (prednisone and others)
other blood pressure medications
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others; or
insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs 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.

What should I avoid while taking Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide.
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.

Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa Dosage

How should I take Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. You may also need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Your blood and urine may both be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.
Methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.
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.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

What happens if I overdose on Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas, extreme drowsiness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What happens if I miss a dose of Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Hydrochlorothiazide Methyldopa