Abstract

Methyldopa (Aldomet - MSD) is a new kind of antihypertensive drug which combines moderate effectiveness in many patients with an apparently low incidence of severe side effects. Few studies of the drug in either Europe or the United States have adequately compared it with other antihypertensive agents; nevertheless, there is sufficient evidence to warrant its trial in combination with a thiazide, in the treatment of patients with moderate or severe primary hypertension who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other hypertensive drugs.