Methyldopa
Centrally Acting Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist Antihypertensive
Methyldopa is the most extensively studied antihypertensive in pregnancy with over 40 years of pediatric follow-up showing no adverse effects on fetal growth, development, or long-term IQ.
ACOG and FDA first-line recommendation for managing chronic hypertension in pregnancy. Has an outstanding long-term safety record for both mother and child.
Safe. No teratogenic risk during organogenesis.
Effectively controls blood pressure without compromising uteroplacental blood flow.
Safe through delivery. Does not cause fetal bradycardia.
Maintains stable uteroplacental blood flow and renal perfusion.
7-year pediatric follow-up studies confirm normal intelligence and physical growth.
Transient drowsiness during initial therapy.
First-line oral choice for chronic hypertension in pregnancy.
Methyldopa is safe for your baby. Continue taking as prescribed.
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Baseline LFTs and CBC
- Extensive 7-year child follow-up data confirms safety.
Methyldopa is the safest and most tested blood pressure medicine to take during pregnancy.
Yes, methyldopa has over 40 years of proven safety studies showing no harm to fetal growth or brain development.
ACOG guidelines and 7-year pediatric safety cohort.
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1
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) PLLR — FDA Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule & Approved Prescribing Information Database Last updated: Official FDA Standard
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2
FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) — FDA MedWatch & Black Box Warning Database Last updated: Official FDA Standard
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3
ACOG Practice Bulletins & Guidelines — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Clinical Recommendations Last updated: 2025 Clinical Edition
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4
Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation — Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk (12th Edition) Last updated: 2025 Clinical Edition