Hepatitis and hemolytic anemia associated with methyldopa therapy

The reported incidences of methyldopa-induced hepatitis and hemolytic anemia is notably small; however, practitioners should be aware of its association with these disorders. The mechanisms responsible for these adverse reactions have not been fully explained, but possible multisystem involvement is being recognized. Although the number of reported cases of hepatitis and AIHA seen concurrently in patients on methyldopa is few, one should recognize that the potential for such association does exist. The presence of a single system disorder should alert the practitioner to monitor for other disorders that may result from methyldopa therapy.