What it's used for
Methyldopa is used for the treatment of hypertension.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
The usual starting dosage for adults is 250 mg two to three times a day for the first 48 hours, which may then be adjusted at intervals of at least 2 days until an adequate response is achieved.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
A positive Coombs test, hemolytic anemia, and liver disorders can occur with methyldopa therapy and may lead to potentially fatal complications if not properly managed.
Common side effects
Temporary sedation, headache, weakness, or lack of energy may occur during the initial period of therapy or when the dose is increased.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Methyldopa cost without insurance
Cash prices for Methyldopa without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Methyldopa is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Methyldopa dosage and administration
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Adults : Initiation of Therapy : The usual starting dosage of methyldopa tablets is 250 mg two to three times a day in the first 48 hours. The daily dosage then may be increased or decreased, preferably at intervals of not less than 2 days, until an adequate response is achieved. To minimize the sedation, start dosage increases in the evening. By adjustment of dosage, morning hypotension may be prevented without sacrificing control of afternoon blood pressure. When methyldopa tablets are given to patients on other antihypertensives, the dose of these agents may need to be adjusted to effect a smooth transition. When methyldopa tablets are given with anti-hypertensives other than thiazides, the initial dosage of methyldopa tablets should be limited to 500 mg daily in divided doses;
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Methyldopa side effects
Sedation, usually transient, may occur during the initial period of therapy or whenever the dose is increased. Headache, asthenia, or weakness may be noted as early and transient symptoms. However, significant adverse effects due to methyldopa have been infrequent and this agent usually is well tolerated. The following adverse reactions have been reported and, within each category, are listed in order of decreasing severity. Cardiovascular : Aggravation of angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, prolonged carotid sinus hypersensitivity, orthostatic hypotension (decrease daily dosage), edema or weight gain, bradycardia. Digestive : Pancreatitis, colitis, vomiting, diarrhea, sialadenitis, sore or “black” tongue, nausea, constipation, distension, flatus, dryness of mouth. Endocrine : Hyperprolactinemia.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Methyldopa drug interactions
When methyldopa is used with other antihypertensive drugs, potentiation of antihypertensive effect may occur. Patients should be followed carefully to detect side reactions or unusual manifestations of drug idiosyncrasy. Patients may require reduced doses of anesthetics when on methyldopa. If hypotension does occur during anesthesia, it usually can be controlled by vasopressors. The adrenergic receptors remain sensitive during treatment with methyldopa. When methyldopa and lithium are given concomitantly, the patient should be carefully monitored for symptoms of lithium toxicity. Read the circular for lithium preparations. Several studies demonstrate a decrease in the bioavailability of methyldopa when it is ingested with ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take methyldopa
Methyldopa is contraindicated in patients: – with active hepatic disease, such as acute hepatitis and active cirrhosis. – with liver disorders previously associated with methyldopa therapy (see WARNINGS ). – with hypersensitivity to any component of this product. – on therapy with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is methyldopa covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Methyldopa is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get methyldopa through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a methyldopa prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does methyldopa cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for methyldopa vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Methyldopa is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get methyldopa?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of methyldopa are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of methyldopa?
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Adults : Initiation of Therapy : The usual starting dosage of methyldopa tablets is 250 mg two to three times a day in the first 48 hours. The daily dosage then may be increased or decreased, preferably at intervals of not less than 2 days, until an adequate response is achieved. To minimize the sedation, start dosage increases in the evening. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of methyldopa?
Sedation, usually transient, may occur during the initial period of therapy or whenever the dose is increased. Headache, asthenia, or weakness may be noted as early and transient symptoms. However, significant adverse effects due to methyldopa have been infrequent and this agent usually is well tolerated. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with methyldopa?
When methyldopa is used with other antihypertensive drugs, potentiation of antihypertensive effect may occur. Patients should be followed carefully to detect side reactions or unusual manifestations of drug idiosyncrasy. Patients may require reduced doses of anesthetics when on methyldopa. If hypotension does occur during anesthesia, it usually can be controlled by vasopressors. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Methyldopa is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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