• Emphasize the importance of continuing to take this medication, even if feeling well. Instruct patient to take medication at the same time each day; last dose of the day should be taken at bedtime. Take missed doses as soon as remembered but not if almost time for next dose. Do not double doses.

• Encourage patient to comply with additional interventions for hypertension (weight reduction, low-sodium diet, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and stress management). Methyldopa controls but does not cure hypertension.

• Instruct patient and family on proper technique for monitoring BP. Advise them to check BP at least weekly and to report significant changes.

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional if fever, muscle aches, or flu-like syndrome occurs.

• Inform patient that urine may darken or turn red-black when left standing.

• May cause drowsiness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known. Drowsiness usually subsides after 7–10 days of continuous use.

• Caution patient to avoid sudden changes in position to decrease orthostatic hypotension.

• Advise patient that frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize dry mouth. Notify health care professional if dry mouth continues for >2 wk.

• Caution patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants.

• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications, especially cough, cold, or allergy remedies.

• Advise patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery.