Methyldopate (Aldomet ®)

Intravenous Dilution Guidelines

The authors make no claims of the accuracy of the information contained herein; and these suggested doses and/or guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgment. Neither GlobalRPh Inc. nor any other party involved in the preparation of this document shall be liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting in whole or part from any user's use of or reliance upon this material. PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE ACCESSING OR USING THIS SITE. BY ACCESSING OR USING THIS SITE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE DISCLAIMER.

Usual Diluents

D5W

Standard Dilutions [Amount of drug] [Infusion volume] [Infusion rate]

[0 to 500 mg] [100 ml] [60 min]
[over 500 mg] [250 ml] [60 min]

Stability / Miscellaneous

EXP: 1 DAY (RT)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Methyldopate HCl Injection when given intravenously in effective doses, causes a decline in blood pressure that may begin in four to six hours and last 10 to 16 hours after injection.

Add the desired dose of Methyldopate HCl Injection to 100 mL of Dextrose Injection 5%, USP. Alternatively the desired dose may be given in 5% dextrose in water in a concentration of 100 mg/10 mL. Give this intravenous infusion slowly over a period of 30 to 60 minutes.

Adults: The usual adult dosage intravenously is 250 mg to 500 mg at six hour intervals as required. The maximum recommended intravenous dose is 1 gram every six hours.

When control has been obtained, oral therapy with tablets may be substituted for intravenous therapy, starting with the same dosage schedule used for the parenteral route. The effectiveness and anticipated responses are described in the circular for tablets.

Since methyldopate has a relatively short duration of action, withdrawal is followed by return of hypertension usually within 48 hours. This is not complicated by an overshoot of blood pressure.

Occasionally tolerance may occur, usually between the second and third month of therapy. Adding a diuretic or increasing the dosage of methyldopa frequently will restore effective control of blood pressure. A thiazide may be added at any time during methyldopa therapy and is recommended if therapy has not been started with a thiazide or if effective control of blood pressure cannot be maintained on 2 grams of methyldopa daily.

Methyldopa is largely excreted by the kidney and patients with impaired renal function may respond to smaller doses. Syncope in older patients may be related to an increased sensitivity and advanced arteriosclerotic vascular disease. This may be avoided by lower doses.

HOW SUPPLIED
Methyldopate HCl Injection, USP 250 mg/5 mL (50 mg/mL).
NDC 0517-8905-10 5 mL Single Dose Vial Boxes of 10

Store at controlled room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) (See USP).

Rx Only
IN8905
Rev. 12/02
MG #7604

American
Regent
Laboratories, Inc.
Shirley, NY 11967

Source: [package insert]

Disclaimer

The authors make no claims of the accuracy of the information contained herein; and these suggested doses are not a substitute for clinical judgment. Neither GlobalRPh Inc. nor any other party involved in the preparation of this program shall be liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting in whole or part from any user's use of or reliance upon this material. PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE ACCESSING OR USING THIS SITE. BY ACCESSING OR USING THIS SITE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE DISCLAIMER.