From the FDA Drug Label
Methyldopa is not recommended for the treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility No evidence of a tumorigenic effect was seen when methyldopa was given for 2 years to mice at doses up to 1800 mg/kg/day or to rats at doses up to 240 mg/kg/day Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects (1,685) in clinical studies of methyldopa, 223 patients were 65 years of age and over, while 33 patients were 75 years of age and over Pediatric Use There are no well-controlled clinical trials in pediatric patients Information on dosing in pediatric patients is supported by evidence from published literature regarding the treatment of hypertension in pediatric patients.
Methyldopa use outside of pregnancy: Methyldopa can be used outside of pregnancy, as evidenced by its use in:
- Geriatric patients: Methyldopa has been used in patients 65 years of age and over, with no overall differences in safety or effectiveness observed between these subjects and younger subjects 1.
- Pediatric patients: Although there are no well-controlled clinical trials in pediatric patients, information on dosing in pediatric patients is supported by evidence from published literature regarding the treatment of hypertension in pediatric patients 1.
- Patients with certain conditions: Methyldopa is not recommended for patients with pheochromocytoma, but it can be used in patients with other conditions, such as hypertension 1.
From the Research
Use of Methyldopa Outside of Pregnancy
- There is limited information in the provided studies about the use of Methyldopa outside of pregnancy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the use of Methyldopa during pregnancy, its effects, and its comparison with other antihypertensive drugs in this context.
- However, it can be inferred that Methyldopa is used to treat hypertension in general, as mentioned in the study from 1977, which states that "The hypotensive effect of methyldopa was similar to its action in non-pregnant individuals" 2.
- This suggests that Methyldopa is used outside of pregnancy, but the provided studies do not offer detailed information on its use in non-pregnant individuals.
Methyldopa's Primary Use
- The primary use of Methyldopa, as per the provided studies, is for the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is recommended as a first-line treatment for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in most countries, as mentioned in the 2017 study 6.
Lack of Information on Non-Pregnant Use
- There are no specific studies provided that focus on the use of Methyldopa in non-pregnant individuals.
- The information available is mostly related to its use, effects, and safety during pregnancy, making it difficult to determine its usage patterns outside of this context based on the given evidence.