Methyldopa
Methyldopa 250MG
What is Methyldopa?
Methyldopa is an antihypertensive medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which helps to lower blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Methyldopa is often used when other medications have failed or are contraindicated and is particularly noted for its efficacy and safety in managing hypertension during pregnancy.Side Effects
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellow skin or eyes
Warnings
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Methyldopa ?
Methyldopa is an antihypertensive medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which helps to lower blood pressure by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Methyldopa is often used when other medications have failed or are contraindicated and is particularly noted for its efficacy and safety in managing hypertension during pregnancy.- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Uncontrolled movements of the face, arms, or legs
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools
- Fever
- Lightheadedness or fainting, slow heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sudden or severe stomach pain
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sudden or severe stomach pain
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Uncontrolled movements of the face, arms, or legs
- If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), or a history of stroke or liver disease.
Methyldopa Coupons & Prices
Methyldopa 250MG
Searching for a methyldopa coupon? Methyldopa is a generic-only centrally-acting antihypertensive, so there's no brand-name premium to worry about, but pharmacy pricing for the same tablet can still vary widely from store to store. Rx.com compares prices across 60,000+ U.S. pharmacies so you can see which one has the lowest price on your exact dose today — just enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you.
What Is Methyldopa and How Does It Work?
Methyldopa is a centrally-acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to manage high blood pressure, either on its own or together with another antihypertensive such as hydrochlorothiazide. An injectable form was historically used in hospitals for hypertensive emergencies, but that use has largely been replaced by other IV antihypertensives, and injectable methyldopate is not a currently marketed product patients would encounter — the oral tablet is what's prescribed and filled today. Methyldopa was originally sold under the brand name Aldomet, but that brand is now largely discontinued in the U.S. — generic methyldopa tablets are the standard form patients fill today.
Methyldopa also has a long-standing, widely cited history of use for high blood pressure in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, because of its extensive safety track record in pregnant patients. This is not a formal FDA on-label indication, so it's something your obstetric provider decides on a case-by-case basis — this is not medical advice.
Methyldopa Cost: Why Comparing Pharmacies Matters
Because methyldopa is generic-only, pricing depends heavily on which pharmacy fills it and which discount program is applied — the same prescription can cost noticeably different amounts at different chains or independent pharmacies in the same town. There is no manufacturer savings card for methyldopa, since it's a long-established generic without a branded product actively marketed. The most reliable way to find the best price is to compare pharmacies directly rather than assume any one location is cheapest.
Enter your ZIP code above to compare methyldopa prices at pharmacies near you and see today's price before you fill.
Methyldopa vs. Other Blood Pressure Medications
Methyldopa is one of several antihypertensive options, and it is often combined with a diuretic like hydrochlorothiazide for added blood pressure control. Other commonly used antihypertensives include labetalol, nifedipine, clonidine, and hydralazine — each works differently and your provider will choose based on your health history, other medications, and (for pregnant patients) trimester-specific safety data.
If you and your provider are discussing which option fits your situation, use Rx.com to compare pharmacy pricing for whichever medication you're prescribed.
Methyldopa Safety Information
Methyldopa is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease (such as acute hepatitis or active cirrhosis), in anyone with a history of liver problems linked to prior methyldopa use, and in patients taking MAO inhibitors. The label carries a hepatotoxicity warning: rare but potentially fatal hepatic necrosis or hepatitis has occurred, believed to be a hypersensitivity reaction, so liver function should be checked periodically — especially during the first 6 to 12 weeks of treatment or if unexplained fever develops.
- Can cause a positive direct Coombs test and, rarely, hemolytic anemia
- Drug-induced fever
- Sedation or drowsiness, especially early in treatment
- Orthostatic (standing-up) low blood pressure
- Rare myocarditis
Methyldopa is not a controlled substance. This information is not medical advice — talk with your provider about your liver function monitoring schedule and any symptoms you experience.
This Methyldopa information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Methyldopa on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
Browse more medications: starting with M · full A-Z directory · by condition · common drugs
Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.