Caldopa (Methyldopa) 250 mg Tablets: What You Should Know

What it is

Caldopa is a brand of methyldopa, which belongs to a class of drugs called centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. It works by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

What it's used for

Caldopa is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

How it's taken

The typical starting dose for adults is one 250 mg tablet taken two to three times a day during the first 48 hours. The dose may be adjusted every two days based on response. To reduce drowsiness, dose increases are usually started in the evening. It can be used with other blood pressure medicines. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Common side effects

Common side effects include sedation (drowsiness), headache, and weakness. These often go away as the body adjusts. Less common but more serious side effects may involve the heart (e.g., worsening angina, heart failure, slow heart rate) and blood disorders (hemolytic anemia).

Important cautions

Caldopa should not be used in people with active liver disease (like hepatitis or cirrhosis) or a history of liver problems from methyldopa. It is also not recommended for those taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Methyldopa can cause a positive Coombs test and, rarely, hemolytic anemia or liver injury. Long-term use may lead to a positive Coombs test in 10–20% of patients. Anyone taking Caldopa should have regular blood tests and report any unusual symptoms to their doctor.

Frequently asked questions