Aldomet

Aldomet: an effective antihypertensive agent with limitations

Aldomet (methyldopa) is an antihypertensive drug that acts on the vasomotor centers of the brain, reducing blood pressure. The drug was developed by the American company Merck Sharp and Dohme and first released to the market in 1964. It is currently sold in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets.

Aldomet is an effective drug for the treatment of arterial hypertension. However, like most medications, Aldomet has a number of contraindications and restrictions on use.

The drug should not be used for hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic-renal failure, pheochromocytoma, depressive states, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular diseases, severe coronary heart disease, hemolytic anemia, collagenosis and parkinsonism. In addition, the drug can cause a number of side effects, including weakness, asthenia, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, febrile syndrome, nausea, constipation, liver dysfunction, pancreatitis, bradycardia, edema, orthostatic hypotension, angina pectoris, heart failure , parkinsonism, facial paralysis, spontaneous choreoathetoid movements, paresthesia, impotence, decreased libido, gynecomastia, hyperprolactinemia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and allergic reactions.

It is also important to consider that Aldomet may interact with other medications, which may lead to unwanted effects. For example, beta blockers may increase the likelihood of developing both hypertension and orthostatic hypotension. The antihypertensive effect is reduced by adrenergic agonists, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and NSAIDs. Incompatible with reserpine; be prescribed with caution with neuroleptics, quinidine, procainamide, diacarb. When used with levodopa, mutual enhancement of effects is observed, and with haloperidol the development of dementia is possible.

In case of an overdose of Aldomet, symptoms may occur.