Is Methyldopa safe in pregnancy?

[annegarrett]

Hello,

I am otherwise healthy, but in the past year and a half have developed high blood pressure. I was on hydrochlorothiazide (25mg daily) and it came under control. I informed my hypertension specialist that I would like to conceive and he changed my medication to apo-methyldopa (250mg). It appears to be working fine. I am wondering if you know of any concerns with taking this medication while pregnant or any concerns with taking this medication in conjunction with Materna. Thank you.


Charyl

[expert on call]

Methyl dopa is an old medication with a long record of experience in pregnancy. It is very safe. On the other hand, it is not as potent as more modern drugs. Most of the drugs now used in nonpregnant women were not available when methyl dopa was initially used. Outside pregnancy, methyl dopa is rarely used.

If your BP is controlled on methyl dopa and you do not have side effects, there is not a problem. If BP is not controlled, there are many other safe alternatives.

Expert on Call

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