Alphadopa 500 Tablet
Alphadopa 500 Tablet can be taken alone or in combination with other medicines. It can be taken with or without food. You may take it at any time of day but try to take it at the same time each day. You should take this medicine as advised by the doctor and never stop it abruptly without consulting the doctor. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse. This may lead to your blood pressure rising up again and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Alphadopa 500 Tablet
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Alphadopa 500 Tablet is a medicine used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering the blood pressure helps prevent future heart attack and stroke. This medicine is also used to treat high blood pressure during pregcy.
Alphadopa 500 Tablet can be taken alone or in combination with other medicines. It can be taken with or without food. You may take it at any time of day but try to take it at the same time each day. You should take this medicine as advised by the doctor and never stop it abruptly without consulting the doctor. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse. This may lead to your blood pressure rising up again and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of a treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to reduce your salt intake.
Common side effects of this medicine include headache, weakness, dizziness, and dryness in the mouth. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you.
Before taking this medicine, it is better to let your doctor know if you are suffering from any kidney or liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before taking it. You must inform the doctor about all the other medicines that you are taking apart from this medicine.
03Uses
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
04How To Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alphadopa 500 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.Avoid Alphadopa 500 Tablet with high protein meals such as cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, protein powder, eggs and milk.
05How It Works
Alphadopa 500 Tablet is an alpha-2 agonist. It works by relaxing blood vessels which makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood around the body.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Alphadopa 500 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
07Benefits
In Hypertension (high blood pressure)
If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Alphadopa 500 Tablet reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer. Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and staying active, to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine.
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Headache
Dryness in mouth
Fatigue
Dizziness
09Safety Information
Alcohol:CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Alphadopa 500 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Alphadopa 500 Tablet is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Alphadopa 500 Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving:UNSAFE
Alphadopa 500 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney:CAUTION
Alphadopa 500 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Alphadopa 500 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended for dose adjustment.
Liver:UNSAFE
Alphadopa 500 Tablet is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
For best results, take Alphadopa 500 Tablet at the same time every day. Take last dose of the day at bedtime.
May cause dizziness and lightheadedness. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machinery.
Your doctor may monitor liver function. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor even if you feel better.
References
Sources and references
Michel T, Hoffman BB. Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia and Hypertension. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 773-74.
Benowitz NL. Antihypertensive Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 173.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 894.
Drugs.com. Methyldopa Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings. view
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr . 2004;80:S189-S198. view
