methyldopa

methyldopa

 [meth″il-do´pah]

a phenylalanine derivative administered orally or intravenously as an antihypertensive agent.

methyldopa

/meth·yl·do·pa/ (-do´pah) a phenylalanine derivative used in the treatment of hypertension.

methyldopa

(mĕth′əl-dō′pə)

n.

A drug, C₁₀H₁₃NO₄, used to treat hypertension.

methyldopa

[-dō′pə]

an alpha₂ receptor agonist that acts in the central nervous system to decrease sympathetic nervous system outflow.

indications It is prescribed for the reduction of hypertension in moderate to severe cases.

contraindications Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, liver dysfunction, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse effects are liver toxicity and blood dyscrasias. Sedation, dry mouth, nasal stuffiness, and postural hypotension may occur.

methyldopa

An alpha adrenergic agonist drug that, paradoxically, is effective in the treatment of high blood pressure (HYPERTENSION). The drug is said to act centrally on the brainstem by stimulating adrenergic receptors in such a way as to reduce the normal action of the sympathetic nervous system on arteries. This explanation is not universally accepted. The drug is on the WHO official list. A brand name is Aldomet.