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Rx500 mg • Tablet
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Other strengths and forms by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Sardopa is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Methyldopa, also known as α-methyldopa, is a centrally acting sympatholytic agent and an antihypertensive medicine. It is chemically related to DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) and is a prodrug, meaning it must first be converted in the body into an active metabolite before it can produce its effects. It works by acting as an agonist at alpha(α)-2 adrenergic receptors, which suppresses outgoing adrenergic nerve signals and reduces vasoconstrictor activity, thereby lowering blood pressure. Methyldopa occurs as two isomers, D-α-methyldopa and L-α-methyldopa, of which the L-form is the biologically active one.
Methyldopa was first introduced in 1960 as an antihypertensive agent and was found to be particularly useful in certain groups of patients, including pregnant women and those with impaired kidney function. Over time, it has largely been superseded by newer antihypertensive medicines that are better tolerated, though it is still prescribed today, either alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. An intravenous form of methyldopa is also available and is used to control blood pressure when oral treatment is not practical, as well as to manage hypertensive crises.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adults. Initiation of therapy: the usual starting dose of Methyldopa is 250 mg two or three times a day for the first 48 hours. The daily dose may then be increased or decreased, preferably at intervals of not less than two days, until an adequate response is achieved. To minimize sedation, start any dose increase in the evening. When Methyldopa is given to patients already on other antihypertensives, the dose of those agents may need to be adjusted to allow a smooth transition. When Methyldopa is given with antihypertensives other than thiazides, the initial dose of Methyldopa should be limited to 500 mg daily in divided doses; when Methyldopa is added to a thiazide, the thiazide dose need not be changed.
Maintenance therapy: the usual daily dose of Methyldopa is 500 mg to 2 g in two to four doses. Although occasional patients have responded to higher doses, the maximum recommended daily dose is 3 g. Tolerance may occasionally develop, usually between the second and third month of therapy. Adding a diuretic or increasing the dose of Methyldopa will frequently restore effective control of blood pressure. A thiazide may be added at any time during Methyldopa therapy and is recommended if therapy has not been started with a thiazide, or if effective control of blood pressure cannot be maintained on 2 g of Methyldopa daily.
Methyldopa is largely excreted by the kidney, so patients with impaired renal function may respond to smaller doses. Syncope in older patients may be related to increased sensitivity and advanced arteriosclerotic vascular disease; this may be avoided by using lower doses.
Pediatric use: the initial dose is based on 10 mg/kg of body weight daily in two to four doses. The daily dose is then increased or decreased until an adequate response is achieved. The maximum dose is 65 mg/kg or 3 g daily, whichever is less.
Side Effects
Sedation, which is usually temporary, may occur when treatment begins or whenever the dose is increased. Headache, asthenia, or weakness may also appear as early, short-lived symptoms. The following systemic side effects have rarely been reported with the use of Dopamet: angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, orthostatic hypotension, edema or weight gain, bradycardia, pancreatitis, colitis, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, hyperprolactinemia, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, positive rheumatoid factor, hepatitis, jaundice, myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, eosinophilia, parkinsonism, Bell's palsy, nightmares, reversible mild psychosis or depression, dizziness, lightheadedness, paresthesias, arthralgia, myalgia, nasal stuffiness, rash, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, lactation, and impotence. Significant adverse effects from Dopamet have, however, been infrequent, and the medicine is usually well tolerated.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Use Dopamet with caution in patients who have a history of liver disease or impaired liver function. Some patients taking Dopamet develop clinical oedema (fluid retention) or gain weight; this can usually be controlled with a diuretic. Dopamet should be stopped if the oedema worsens or if signs of heart failure appear. Hypertension has occasionally returned after dialysis in patients receiving Dopamet, because the drug is removed from the body during this procedure. Rarely, involuntary choreoathetotic movements (jerky, writhing movements) have been seen during Dopamet therapy in patients with severe bilateral cerebrovascular disease. If such movements occur, stop treatment.
Contraindications
Methyldopa should not be used in patients who have active liver disease, such as acute hepatitis or active cirrhosis; in those who have previously had a liver disorder linked to Methyldopa treatment; in anyone who is hypersensitive to any component of these products; or in patients currently being treated with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy category B. Methyldopa passes into breast milk, so it should be used cautiously in mothers who are breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
There are no well-controlled clinical trials of methyldopa in children. The dosing information for pediatric patients comes from published literature on treating hypertension in this age group.
Overdose
An acute overdose of Methyldopa can cause a sudden fall in blood pressure. Other effects come from the brain and the gut. These include excessive sedation, weakness, a slow heart rate (bradycardia), dizziness, lightheadedness, constipation, a swollen or bloated abdomen, flatus, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
If someone has taken too much, treatment is aimed at the symptoms, along with supportive care. When the tablets were taken only recently, gastric lavage or inducing vomiting may reduce how much is absorbed. When more time has passed since the dose, infusions may help the body pass the medicine out in the urine.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Methyldopa at a temperature no higher than 30°C. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Sardopa 500 mg
What is Sardopa 500 mg Tablet?
Sardopa 500 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Methyldopa. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Centrally acting antihypertensive drugs (central sympatholytic) group of medicines.
What is Sardopa used for?
Sardopa is used for: Hypertension.
What are the side effects of Sardopa?
Sedation, which is usually temporary, may occur when treatment begins or whenever the dose is increased. Headache, asthenia, or weakness may also appear as early, short-lived symptoms.
Can I take Sardopa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy category B. Methyldopa passes into breast milk, so it should be used cautiously in mothers who are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Sardopa?
An acute overdose of Methyldopa can cause a sudden fall in blood pressure. Other effects come from the brain and the gut. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Sardopa?
Store Methyldopa at a temperature no higher than 30°C. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Sardopa?
Some medicines can interact with Methyldopa, for example: Ferrous Gluconate, Ferrous Sulfate, Chlorthalidone, Lithium Carbonate, Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Triprolidine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Sardopa is already among the lowest-priced brands of Methyldopa at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Sardopa?
Sardopa is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.