Methyldopa

Most side effects from methyldopa should get better over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away or bother  you. Such side effects include:

• Dizziness and light-headedness
• This may occur especially when you change positions from a lying to sitting position or from a sitting to standing position.  You can prevent this by getting up slowly or changing positions slowly. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
• Drowsiness
  
• Be careful when driving or operating machinery as this medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not take alcohol or other medications that make you less alert.
• Headache and stuffy nose
  

Inform your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Persistent swelling of ankles or feet, breathlessness or sudden unexplained weight gain
• Decreased sexual desire or ability
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Changes in your mood
  
• Chest pain or slowed heart rate
  

Very rarely, methyldopa may cause blood or liver problems. Stop this medication and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Liver injury - Dark brown urine, light coloured stools (pale grey/ clay coloured), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Low white blood cell counts – signs of infection like unexplained fever, chills or sore throat

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
  

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• You are breastfeeding
• You have liver or kidney problems
• You have a condition called Pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland) or Paraganglioma (tumour near the adrenal gland)
• You have a blood problem called Haemolytic anaemia or Porphyria
• You are taking any iron products by mouth
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Some medications may interact with methyldopa and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. Examples include:

• Specific medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which is used to treat: Parkinson's disease (e.g. selegiline, rasagiline) or Depression (e.g. moclobemide)

You should take iron products at least two hours before or after methyldopa as taking them together might decrease the absorption of methyldopa into your body.