Dopanol

Dopanol: description, use and side effects

Dopanol is a pharmaceutical drug that is used to treat hypertension. It belongs to the group of antihypertensive drugs that affect the vasomotor centers of the brain. The international name of the drug is methyldopa, and its production is carried out by the Polfa Grodzis Pharmaceutical Plant in Poland.

Dopanol is presented in the form of tablets with a dosage of 250 mg. The active substance is methyldopa. The drug is synonymously also known as Aldomet, Alphadopa, Dopegit, Ekibar.

The use of Dopanol is recommended for the treatment of arterial hypertension. However, there are a number of contraindications for which its use is not allowed. These include hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatic-renal failure, pheochromocytoma, depressive states, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular diseases, severe ischemic heart disease, hemolytic anemia, collagenosis, parkinsonism.

In addition to contraindications, Dopanol also has side effects, including weakness, asthenia, drowsiness, dizziness, headache (occurs in the early stages of treatment and usually disappears soon), arthralgia, myalgia, febrile syndrome, redness of the upper half of the body, dry mouth, inflammation 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 and allergic reactions.

When using Dopanol, it is necessary to take into account its interaction with other drugs. For example, beta blockers 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 antipsychotics, quinidine, drugs that affect the central nervous system, as well as alcohol.

Dopanol should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. The usual starting dose is 250 mg twice daily, then the dose may be gradually increased to 500-1000 mg daily depending on the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug. It is recommended to take the tablets during or after meals with a sufficient amount of water. The duration of treatment and dosage of Dopanol should be determined individually by a doctor.

In general, Dopanol is an effective remedy for the treatment of arterial hypertension, but its use should only be carried out as prescribed by a doctor and in compliance with all recommendations and contraindications. If side effects occur, you should consult a doctor immediately.