Aldomet 250 mg Tab 100’s-Potential Overview:

Brand Name: Aldomet
Generic Name: Methyldopa
Active Ingredient(s): Methyldopa 250 mg

For the General Public:

Uses:
Aldomet (Methyldopa) is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing strain on the heart.

Dosage:

• Adults: Typically, 250 mg two to three times daily, as directed by your doctor. Dosage may be adjusted based on response.
• Children: Dosage determined by body weight and as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, headache, weakness, dry mouth, or upset stomach.
• Serious (Less Common) Side Effects: Fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe fatigue, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing).

Important Information:

• Dosage Instruction: Take exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Usage Instruction: Take with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food.
• General Information:
  • Do not take this medication if you are allergic to methyldopa or any excipients in the tablet.
  • Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems, or a history of anemia.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Do not double the dose.

Drug Interactions:

• Interactions with Other Medications: May interact with other antihypertensive drugs, MAO inhibitors, or medications that cause drowsiness.
• Interactions with Food: Alcohol may enhance drowsiness; avoid excessive consumption.

Regulatory Approval & Manufacturer:
Approved by [regulatory body] and manufactured by [manufacturer name].

Antidotes (If Overdose or Misuse by Patients):
Symptoms of overdose include severe drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve supportive measures and symptomatic care.

For Pharmacists:

Medicine Name: Aldomet
Brand: Aldomet
Active Ingredient(s): Methyldopa 250 mg

Indications:
Indicated for the management of hypertension, including:

• Essential hypertension
• Hypertension during pregnancy

Pharmacodynamics:

• Mechanism of Action:
  Methyldopa is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It is metabolized to alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which stimulates central inhibitory alpha-adrenergic receptors, reducing sympathetic outflow, and lowering blood pressure.
• Pharmacological Effects:
  • Reduces blood pressure by lowering peripheral vascular resistance without significantly affecting cardiac output.
• Receptor Binding:
  Methyldopa binds to central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to reduced norepinephrine release.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma levels occur within 2–3 hours.
• Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier.
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to active metabolites, including alpha-methylnorepinephrine.
• Elimination: Primarily excreted in urine.
• Half-Life: Approximately 1.5–2 hours.
• Bioavailability: About 25% of an oral dose is systemically available due to first-pass metabolism.
• Effect of Food: Food does not significantly affect absorption.

Dosage and Administration:

• Adults:
  • Initial dose: 250 mg two or three times daily for the first 48 hours.
  • Maintenance dose: 500 mg to 2 g daily in divided doses.
• Pediatric: 10 mg/kg/day in divided doses, adjusted as needed.
• Special Populations:
  • Renal impairment: Dose adjustment may be required.
  • Elderly: Start with lower doses and monitor for side effects.

Contraindications:

• Active liver disease (e.g., hepatitis or cirrhosis).
• History of methyldopa-induced liver disorder or hemolytic anemia.
• Known hypersensitivity to methyldopa.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Periodic liver function tests are recommended.
• Monitor for signs of hemolytic anemia.
• May cause sedation, especially at the start of therapy.
• Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment or a history of depression.

Drug-Drug Interactions:

• May enhance the effects of other antihypertensives, leading to excessive blood pressure lowering.
• Avoid concurrent use with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
• May interact with iron supplements, reducing the effectiveness of methyldopa.

Drug-Food Interactions:

• Alcohol: May enhance sedative effects.
• Sodium-rich diets may reduce effectiveness.

Adverse Reactions:

• Common: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nasal congestion, or gastrointestinal upset.
• Serious: Hemolytic anemia, hepatotoxicity, myocarditis, or drug fever.

Therapeutic Effects:

• Effectively lowers blood pressure without significantly altering cardiac output or renal blood flow.

Storage:
Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) in a dry place, away from light and moisture.

Packaging:
Available in tablet form, typically in bottles of 100 tablets.

Clinical Considerations:

• Pregnancy Category: B (Safe for use during pregnancy, particularly in pregnancy-related hypertension).
• Lactation Category: Excreted in breast milk; consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Pediatric Category: Safe at adjusted doses; use under close supervision.
• Geriatric Category: Start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity to side effects.

Conclusion:

Aldomet 250 mg Tab 100’s is an effective antihypertensive agent suitable for a wide range of patients, including pregnant women. Its centrally acting mechanism ensures controlled blood pressure reduction with minimal effects on cardiac function. Proper dosing and monitoring are crucial to minimize the risk of side effects such as hepatotoxicity or hemolytic anemia. Pharmacists should educate patients on adherence, drug interactions, and the importance of regular follow-up with their healthcare providers.