Antihypertensive (centrally-acting blood pressure medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Methyldopa is a blood pressure-lowering medicine that works by relaxing your blood vessels and reducing the signals from your brain that tighten them, making it easier for blood to flow through your body.
Activates central α2-adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, reducing sympathetic outflow and decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and heart rate.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Adults usually start with one 250 mg tablet taken 2 to 3 times a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose depending on how your blood pressure responds, up to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day split into doses. You can take it with or without food. Sold in Nigeria as Aldomet, Bondomet, Hugomet, and other brands.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
Do not stop taking methyldopa suddenly without your doctor's advice — stopping abruptly can cause your blood pressure to spike dangerously. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and not from roadside sellers, as fake or expired blood pressure medicines are common. Do not share your methyldopa with someone else who has high blood pressure — the dose must be set by a doctor for each person.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking methyldopa as it can make you feel very dizzy and sleepy. Taking it with iron supplements (like ferrous sulphate, which many Nigerians use) can reduce how well methyldopa works — take them at least 2 hours apart. Using other blood pressure medicines at the same time can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, so always tell your doctor about all your medications.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Methyldopa with your other drugs?
Methyldopa is one of the safest blood pressure medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but you should still use it only under your doctor's supervision.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in hot rooms. Keep the container tightly closed and always out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Methyldopa?
Clinical tools built for Nigerian pharmacists — launching soon.