Hydopa (Methyldopa)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Hydopa Used For?
Hydopa contains the active ingredient methyldopa and is prescribed to lower high blood pressure, a condition doctors call hypertension.
Primary Uses
Hydopa is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems including stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.
How It Works
Hydopa works by controlling impulses along certain nerve pathways, which widens your blood vessels so blood can flow through them more easily. This helps lower your blood pressure.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Hydopa is addictive.
How to Take Hydopa
Your doctor will determine the right dose of Hydopa for you based on your condition and other medications you may be taking. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
Take Hydopa at the same time each day. If taking twice daily, space doses about 12 hours apart (breakfast and dinner time). If taking three times daily, space doses about 8 hours apart. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. You can take Hydopa with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Weakness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fever (especially within first 3 months)
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Darker urine than normal
- Pale stools
- Swelling of feet or lower legs
- Nightmares, feeling strange or depressed
- Signs of frequent infections (fever, severe chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
- Bruising more easily than normal
- Signs of anemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, looking pale)
- Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
- Itchy skin rash or other skin problems
- Slow heart beat or pulse
- Worsening chest pain (angina)
- Enlarged breasts (especially in men)
Important Warnings
Before taking Hydopa, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Hydopa
Do not take Hydopa if you: are allergic to methyldopa or any ingredients in the medication; have taken Hydopa before and developed liver problems; have certain liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis; are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: angina (chest pain); liver problems; phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma (rare adrenal gland tumors); are undergoing dialysis; porphyria (rare blood disorder); or any allergies to medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Hydopa during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hydopa passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interact with Hydopa and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine – should NOT be taken with Hydopa
- Other blood pressure medications
- Lithium (used for mood disorders)
- Iron supplements and multivitamins containing iron
Alcohol & Driving
Hydopa can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, so it’s important to understand these precautions.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol may worsen dizziness and drowsiness caused by Hydopa.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Hydopa affects you. Hydopa may cause dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, or sleepiness, especially after the first few doses or when the dose is increased.
Temperature Regulation
Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when taking Hydopa, especially if you sweat a lot. Not drinking enough water while taking Hydopa may cause you to faint or feel lightheaded or sick due to low blood pressure and insufficient body fluid.
Storage
Keep Hydopa tablets in their original bottle until it’s time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Hydopa, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas, or bloated stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydopa helps control your blood pressure but does not cure it. It must be taken every day on a long-term basis to properly control your condition. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure it’s working effectively.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Hydopa before or after food. You can take it with or without meals.
No, there is no evidence that Hydopa is addictive.
Do not stop taking Hydopa or lower the dose unless advised by your doctor. Since this medicine helps control your blood pressure but doesn’t cure it, stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise again.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol may worsen any dizziness and drowsiness caused by Hydopa.
You may feel light-headed or dizzy when you begin taking Hydopa or if the dose is increased because your blood pressure is falling. Standing up slowly, especially when getting up from bed or chairs, will help your body adjust. This problem usually goes away after the first few days.
Tell your doctor if you develop a fever, especially within the first 3 months of starting Hydopa. Your doctor may need to do blood tests to make sure Hydopa is not affecting your liver or blood.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.