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Methyldopa
Methyldopa or alpha-methyldopa (brand names Aldomet, Apo-Methyldopa, Dopamet, Novomedopa) is a centrally-acting adrenergic antihypertensive medication. Its use is now deprecated following introduction of alternative safer classes of agents. However it continues to have a role in otherwise difficult to treat hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Additional recommended knowledge
PharmacokineticsMethyldopa has variable absorption from the gut of approximately 50%. It is metabolized in the intestines and liver; its metabolite alpha-methylnorepineprine acts in the brain to stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors decreasing total peripheral resistance. It is excreted in urine. Mechanism of actionMethyldopa, in its active metabolite form, leads to increased alpha-2 receptor-mediated inhibition of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) (centrally and peripherally), allowing peripheral sympathetic nervous system (PSNS) tone to decrease. Such activity leads to a decrease in total peripheral resistance (TPR) and cardiac output. Rebound effectIf methyldopa is abruptly withdrawn, rebound hypertension happens. This results because the long term use of methyldopa lowers the sensitivity of presynaptic alpha 2 receptors: the release of norepinephrine (NE) from sympathetic nerve endings is modulated by NE itself acting on the presynaptic alpha 2 autoreceptors thus inhibiting its own release. The discontinuation of methyldopa removes the inhibition on NE release leading to excessive NE release from the SNS and the rebound hypertension. HistoryWhen introduced it was a mainstay of antihypertensive therapy, but its use has declined, with increased use of other safer classes of agents. One of its important present-day uses is in the management of pregnancy-induced hypertension, as it is relatively safe in pregnancy compared to other antihypertensive drugs. Side effectsThere are many possible reported side-effects with some, whilst rare, being serious. Side effects are usually fewer if the dose is less than 1 g per day:[1]
Categories: Antihypertensive agents | Hepatitis |
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Methyldopa". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |