Methyldopa-induced immune hemolytic anemia and chronic active hepatitis.

Immune hemolytic anemia and chronic active hepatitis developed concurrently in a 76-year-old man after prolonged therapy with methyldopa. Both complications disappeared following cessation of treatment with the offending drug and a short course of a high-dose corticosteroid (prednisone). Inhibition of T-suppressor lymphocyte function by methyldopa may be instrumental in the emergence of autoimmune complications following usage of the drug.