Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet

Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet is a prescription medicine that contains 250 mg of methyldopa in each tablet. It belongs to the antihypertensive, or blood pressure-lowering, drug class. This medicine is used to help treat high blood pressure (hypertension), which can lower the risk of serious complications when taken as directed by a doctor. Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet is a higher-strength tablet, so it is intended for patients whose treatment plan calls for this specific dose.

How it works: Methyldopa works in the brain to reduce signals that tighten blood vessels, which helps blood vessels relax and blood pressure come down. As a tablet, Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet is swallowed and absorbed so the medicine can work gradually throughout the day when taken on the schedule your doctor prescribes.

Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet provides a stronger single-dose option than lower-strength methyldopa tablets, and it may be chosen when a doctor wants fewer tablets per dose or a dose that fits a stable maintenance plan. Because it is a higher strength, it is not meant for self-adjusting treatment; a clinician decides whether 250 mg is the right amount based on blood pressure response and tolerance.

• Treatment of high blood pressure
• Blood pressure control during pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor
• Maintenance therapy for chronic hypertension
• Adjunct treatment when a single lower-strength tablet is not enough

• Swallow Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet whole with water unless your doctor gives different instructions.
• Take it at the same times each day to help keep blood pressure control steady.
• You may take it with or without food; if it upsets your stomach, taking it with food may help.
• Do not crush or split the tablet unless your pharmacist or doctor says it is appropriate for your specific prescription.
• Stand up slowly after taking this medicine, especially when you first start it, because it can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up.

Each Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet contains 250 mg of methyldopa. The dosing schedule can vary, but methyldopa is often taken 2 to 4 times daily, and the total daily amount is set by the doctor based on blood pressure response. The maximum daily dose depends on the patient's needs and must be determined by the prescriber, so do not change the dose on your own.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Methyldopa may include:

• Drowsiness or sleepiness, which may be more noticeable with a 250 mg tablet if your dose is being increased
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Mild stomach upset

• Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet affects you, since it may cause drowsiness.
• Avoid alcohol unless your doctor says it is okay, because alcohol can worsen sleepiness and dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, because methyldopa can affect the liver.
• Let your doctor know if you have anemia or a past blood problem, as this medicine can rarely affect blood counts.
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce the risk of falls from blood pressure drops.
• Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without medical advice, because blood pressure may rise again.
• Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, since methyldopa is sometimes used in pregnancy but still needs medical supervision.

• Other blood pressure medicines, which may increase the risk of low blood pressure
• Alcohol, which can increase drowsiness and dizziness
• Iron supplements, which may reduce methyldopa absorption if taken at the same time
• MAO inhibitors, which can interact with blood pressure control
• Lithium, which may have increased levels or effects when used with methyldopa

Store Alphadopa 250 mg Tablet in a dry place at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light, and keep it in the original strip/box of 10 tablets until use.