This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Methyldopa works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. Start this medication or any new dose increase in the evening to decrease the risk of side effects. Also, if the doses of this medication are not equal, take the larger dose at bedtime.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing or an additional medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).