Methyldopa

Pregnancy & gynaecology-specific. Every dose row is source-referenced; verify against institutional protocols.

MethyldopaCentral alpha-2 agonist

Regimens checked: 2026-10-17. Each indication has its own preparation, limits and safety checks.

Methyldopa: indication-specific regimens
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration / preparation	Maximum	Monitoring / cautions
Maintenance hypertension during pregnancy; not emergency BP rescue MSFchecked	250 mg twice or three times daily for 2 days; increase by 250 mg every 2–3 days to response	Oral	Two or three divided doses initially; prescribed divided doses thereafter	During pregnancy if required; NICE recommends stopping within 2 days after birth and substituting another agent if needed · 250 mg tablets. Do not abruptly discontinue ongoing therapy without a replacement/reduction plan Postpartum stopping recommendation: NICE NG133.	3 g/day	Monitor BP, sedation/mood; blood count and LFTs for fever, jaundice or suspected toxicity Contraindications / cautions Active liver disease, previous methyldopa hepatitis, severe depression

Pregnancy safety

Long safety record

Lactation

Compatible short-term; depression risk limits postpartum use

Adverse effects

Sedation, dry mouth, depression, hepatitis (rare)