Myocarditis associated with methyldopa therapy.

Five patients with hypertension died as a result of myocarditis. Three were treated with methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide, two with methyldopa alone. Their ages ranged from 30 to 71 years. In all instances death occurred suddenly, and myocarditis was not suspected clinically. The inflammatory changes in the hearts of these patients were most consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction. Additionally, there was hepatitis consistent with hypersensitivity in four of the cases.