Alphadopa

Country of origin - India
Pharm-Group - Antihypertensive drugs affecting the vasomotor centers of the brain

Manufacturers - Merind Ltd (India)
International name - Methyldopa
Synonyms - Aldomet, Dopanol, Dopegit, Ekibar
Dosage forms - film-coated tablets 250 mg
Composition - Active substance - Methyldopa.

Indications for use: Arterial hypertension.

Contraindications - Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic-renal failure, pheochromocytoma, depressive states, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular diseases, severe ischemic heart disease, hemolytic anemia, collagenosis, parkinsonism.

Side effects - Weakness, asthenia, drowsiness, dizziness, headache (occur in the early stages of treatment and usually disappear soon), arthralgia, myalgia, febrile syndrome, redness of the upper half of the body, dry mouth, inflammation of the salivary glands, glossalgia, vomiting, nausea , constipation, colitis, 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, allergic reactions.

Interaction - Beta-blockers increase the likelihood of developing both hypertension (due to the effect of alpha-methylnorepinephrine on unblocked alpha-adrenergic receptors of the blood vessels and heart) 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, there is a mutual enhancement of effects (inhibition of decarboxylation), with haloperidol - dementia (increases the likelihood), with digoxin (in the elderly) - sick sinus syndrome. Increases lithium toxicity and hepatotoxicity of oral contraceptives.

Overdose - Symptoms: manifested by acute hypotension, bradycardia, lethargy, tremor, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, intestinal atony. Treatment: gastric lavage, forced diuresis, dialysis are recommended, it is possible to prescribe sympathom

Special instructions - May mask fever in infectious diseases. The drug and its metabolites react with standard chemical reagents used for the determination of catecholamines. Changes tests for uric acid, serum creatinine and some other substances. The urine of patients during the treatment period becomes dark in color when standing. To prevent the development of withdrawal syndrome, a gradual dose reduction is recommended. It should not be prescribed to patients when driving vehicles or performing work that requires increased attention. During treatment, alcohol intake is excluded. Patients with impaired renal function should reduce the single dose. During therapy, monitoring of liver function and peripheral blood patterns is mandatory; If a positive direct Coombs test and hemolytic anemia occur, discontinuation of treatment is required.

Literature - Encyclopedia of Medicines 2003.