| Drug Name |
Methyldopa |
| Drug ID |
BADD_D01425 |
| Description |
Methyldopa, or α-methyldopa, is a centrally acting sympatholytic agent and an antihypertensive agent.[A231784] It is an analog of DOPA (3,4‐hydroxyphenylanine), and it is a prodrug, meaning that the drug requires biotransformation to an active metabolite for therapeutic effects. Methyldopa works by binding to alpha(α)-2 adrenergic receptors as an agonist, leading to the inhibition of adrenergic neuronal outflow and reduction of vasoconstrictor adrenergic signals.[A1499] Methyldopa exists in two isomers D-α-methyldopa and L-α-methyldopa, which is the active form.[A232224]
First introduced in 1960 as an antihypertensive agent, methyldopa was considered to be useful in certain patient populations, such as pregnant women and patients with renal insufficiency. Since then, methyldopa was largely replaced by newer, better-tolerated antihypertensive agents;[A231784] however, it is still used as monotherapy [L32614] or in combination with [hydrochlorothiazide].[L32619] Methyldopa is also available as intravenous injection, which is used to manage hypertension when oral therapy is unfeasible and to treat hypertensive crisis.[L32624] |
| Indications and Usage |
For use in the treatment of hypertension. |
| Marketing Status |
Prescription; Discontinued |
| ATC Code |
C02AB01 |
| DrugBank ID |
DB00968
|
| KEGG ID |
D00405
|
| MeSH ID |
D008750
|
| PubChem ID |
38853
|
| TTD Drug ID |
D0BA6T
|
| NDC Product Code |
15894-0038; 42185-7001; 16729-031; 52423-0100; 16729-030; 67628-3001 |
| Synonyms |
Methyldopa | alpha-Methyldopa | alpha Methyldopa | alpha-Methyl-L-Dopa | alpha Methyl L Dopa | Alphamethyldopa | Meldopa | Methyldopate | Dopegyt | Dopergit | Dopegit | Sembrina | Apo-Methyldopa | Apo Methyldopa | Dopamet | Aldomet | Hydopa | Nu-Medopa | Nu Medopa |
