Aldomet Flashcards

Study Notes

Aldomet (Methyldopa) Overview

Generic name: Methyldopa; Brand name: Aldomet.
Class: Antihypertensive drug, specifically classified as an alpha-2 agonist.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Crosses the blood-brain barrier; converted to alpha-methylnorepinephrine.
Stimulates central alpha-adrenergic receptors, decreasing peripheral resistance.
Primarily reduces blood pressure; cardiac output and heart rate are typically unaffected, though may vary in congestive heart failure.
Notable blood pressure decrease when standing, with potential postural hypotension.
Can lead to sodium and fluid retention; tolerance may develop.
Effects on serum lipids and increased serum prolactin levels during treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

50% absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Half-life: 1.7 hours.
Metabolism: Partly hepatic; excretion via kidneys.
Routes:
- Oral (PO): Onset 4-6 hours, peak 12-24 hours, duration 24-48 hours.
- Intravenous (IV): Same onset time as PO, unknown peak, duration 10-16 hours.

Indications and Actions

Indicated for moderate to severe hypertension, often in combination therapies.
Reduces sympathetic outflow to heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, resulting in decreased BP and peripheral resistance.

Pregnancy and Contraindications

Pregnancy Category: B, indicating safety in pregnancy.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, active liver disease.
Precautions: History of liver disease, geriatric patients, potential bradycardia, depression exacerbation.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

CNS effects: Sedation, impaired mental acuity, depression.
Cardiovascular: Myocarditis, bradycardia, edema, orthostatic hypotension.
Gastrointestinal: Drug-induced hepatitis, diarrhea, dry mouth.
Hematologic: Eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia.
Miscellaneous: Fever.

Drug Interactions

Increased hypotension risk with other antihypertensives, alcohol, anesthesia, and nitrates.
Reduced antihypertensive effects with concurrent use of amphetamines, barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs.
Potential lithium toxicity, CNS depression with alcohol and sedatives.
Possible paradoxical hypertension with nonselective beta blockers.

Dosage Guidelines

Oral Adults: 250-500 mg 2-3 times daily; maintenance 500 mg-2 g/day, max 3 g/day if used with other agents.
Oral Children: 10 mg/kg/day; may increase to 65 mg/kg/day in divided doses.
IV Adults: 250-500 mg every 6 hours; up to 1 g every 6 hours.
IV Children: 5-10 mg/kg every 6 hours; similar max dose as oral.

Nursing Implications

Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and pulse during dosage adjustments is essential.

Description

This quiz features flashcards focused on Aldomet, a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It covers key terms, classifications, and definitions related to Methyldopa and its pharmacological details. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals looking to enhance their understanding of this antihypertensive drug.

Aldomet Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the generic name for Aldomet?

What class of drug is Methyldopa?

What is the drug class of Aldomet?

What are the therapeutic classifications of Methyldopa?

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) for Aldomet?

What is the pregnancy category of Methyldopa?

What are the indications for Methyldopa?

What effects does Methyldopa produce?

What percentage of Methyldopa is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract?

What are the contraindications for Methyldopa?

Which of the following are common side effects of Methyldopa? (Select all that apply)

What is one of the key interactions when using Methyldopa?

What is the usual oral dosage range for adults taking Aldomet?

What should be monitored during initial dose adjustments of Methyldopa?