Methyldopa/Hydrochlorothiazide (By Mouth)

Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Methyldopa (meth-il-DOE-pa)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of an antihypertensive (blood pressure medicine) and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Aldoril 25
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to methyldopa, hydrochlorothiazide, or to sulfa drugs. You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate, or if you have liver disease, especially if it was caused by using methyldopa.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), entacapone (Comtan®), lithium, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, gout, lupus, pancreatitis, or a history of mental depression.
• This medicine may make you 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.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Severe diarrhea
• Skin rash or hives
• Trouble breathing
• Unexplained fever
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Depressed mood
• Loss of appetite
• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
• Problems having sex
• Stuffy nose
• Swelling of the breasts

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.