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Drug Study: Methyldopa

Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. It works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system, which decreases sympathetic outflow and allows blood vessels to relax and the heart to beat more slowly. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and edema. Nurses should monitor blood pressure, intake and output, weight, and watch for involuntary movements when administering methyldopa.

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162 views1 page

Drug Study: Methyldopa

Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. It works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system, which decreases sympathetic outflow and allows blood vessels to relax and the heart to beat more slowly. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and edema. Nurses should monitor blood pressure, intake and output, weight, and watch for involuntary movements when administering methyldopa.

Uploaded by

Tempo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DRUG STUDY: METHYLDOPA 4.

Monitor I&O ratios and weight and


assess for edema daily, especially at the
Generic name: Methyldopa
beginning of taking the drug
Brand name: Aldomet 5. Report involuntary choreoathetoid
movements, drugs may be stopped.
Drug class: Alpha2- agonists / Antihypertensive
drugs Why methyldopa helps to lower BP?

Pregnancy category: C - It allows the blood vessels which is the


veins and arteries to relax or widen and
MOA: Alpha2- agonists has two subclass the heart to beat slowly and easily.
substances which is the Alpha1- adrenergic
agonists and Alpha2- adrenergic agonists.
Methyldopa is a selective Alpha2- adrenergic
agonists. It stimulates the CNS alpha-adrenergic
receptor. If the said receptor activates, it helps
to decrease in sympathetic outflow to the heart,
kidneys, and blood vessels resulting to decrease
the BP.

Indications: Hypertension, Gestation


hypertension (PIH), Preeclampsia

Contraindications: Patients with active hepatic


disease (such as acute hepatitis) or active
cirrhosis; patients who had previous
methyldopa therapy that caused liver problems

Side effects:

- CNS: HA, dizziness, weakness


- CV: edema, bradychardia
- EENT: nasal congestion
- GI: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting
- GU: galactorrhea, darke urine
- Skin: rash

Adverse effects: Dizziness, light headedness,


drowsiness, HA, stuffy nose, weakness

Nursing interventions:

1. Monitor VS specifically the BP


2. Tolerance of the drug may occur,
adjusting dosage may be needed. If
patient’s response significantly, notify
prescriber.
3. After dialysis, monitor HTN and notify
the doctor

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