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How Long Does Methyldopa Stay In The Body?
Ok, so I recently took methyldopa for my high blood pressure it said to take 2 of them once a day but I took 2 of them too close together got a minor heart attack and it made me feel so weird. I felt dizzy I can barley hear it s like i m under water. So I was wondering how long does the drug last because I can still feel it in my system.
Mon, 28 Sep 2020
Hi,
Methyldopa is an centrally acting anti-hypertensive. It is a sympatholytic drug preventing the adrenergic action which increases the blood pressure. Methyl Dopa acts by alpha 2 agonistic activity that it is converted to active metabolite alpha methylnorepinephrine which decreases the peripheral resistance which reduces the blood pressure. The peak action of the oral drug is between 4 to 6 hours. The effect lasts for about 10 to 16 hours in case of intravenous administration.
Methyl dopa does not affect the cardiac output and blood flow to kidney. So, it can be prescribed in kidney failure patients. There is accumulation of the drug in case of renal insufficiency. Common side effects of the drug are dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, etc. Rise from the bed slowly to avoid dizziness due to sudden change in posture causing hypotension. Discuss with your physician about titration of the drug for your blood pressure.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pradeepraj, General & Family Physician
Methyldopa is an centrally acting anti-hypertensive. It is a sympatholytic drug preventing the adrenergic action which increases the blood pressure. Methyl Dopa acts by alpha 2 agonistic activity that it is converted to active metabolite alpha methylnorepinephrine which decreases the peripheral resistance which reduces the blood pressure. The peak action of the oral drug is between 4 to 6 hours. The effect lasts for about 10 to 16 hours in case of intravenous administration.
Methyl dopa does not affect the cardiac output and blood flow to kidney. So, it can be prescribed in kidney failure patients. There is accumulation of the drug in case of renal insufficiency. Common side effects of the drug are dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, etc. Rise from the bed slowly to avoid dizziness due to sudden change in posture causing hypotension. Discuss with your physician about titration of the drug for your blood pressure.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pradeepraj, General & Family Physician
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