Methyldopa
Hypertension, Hypertensive disease, Therapeutic procedure
Treatment
1 FDA approval
20 Active Studies for Methyldopa
Treatment for
Hypertension
What is Methyldopa
Methyldopa
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Methyldopa is a drug used to lower blood pressure. It is an analog of DOPA and needs to be converted into an active form in order to have an effect on the body. It works by binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which helps lower the activity of the nerves that control blood vessel constriction. First approved in 1960, it is still used to treat hypertension, although newer drugs are available that are better tolerated. Methyldopa is sometimes given as an intravenous injection when oral therapy is not possible or to manage a hypertensive crisis.
Aldoril
is the brand name
Methyldopa Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Aldoril
Methyldopa
1962
32
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Methyldopa, otherwise known as Aldoril, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses like Hypertensive disease .
Hypertensive disease
Helps manage High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Effectiveness
How Methyldopa Affects Patients
Methyldopa helps to lower blood pressure by targeting the body’s sympathetic nervous system and reducing the concentrations of certain hormones. It usually begins to work within 12 to 24 hours, and the maximum effect on blood pressure can be seen in 4 to 6 hours. The effects wear off after 24 to 48 hours when the drug is stopped. When taken intravenously, the effects can last for 10 to 16 hours.
How Methyldopa works in the body
Methyldopa works by blocking nerve signals that cause blood vessels to constrict. It is metabolized into two active compounds that bind to receptors in the brainstem, which in turn reduces the output of signals to the peripheral nervous system. This creates a calming, vasodilator effect, which lowers the blood pressure. Methyldopa also blocks an enzyme called DOPA decarboxylase, which helps make neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, but this plays only a small role in lowering blood pressure.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended measure of Methyldopa is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Therapeutic procedure, Hypertensive crisis and Hypertensive disease. The amount of dosage also is dependent upon the mode of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Tablet, film coated - Oral) identified in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hypertension
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL
Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Liquid - Intravenous, Liquid
Hypertensive disease
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL
Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Liquid - Intravenous, Liquid
Therapeutic procedure
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL, 125.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL
Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Liquid - Intravenous, Liquid
Warnings
Methyldopa Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
history of liver disorders caused by methyldopa
Do Not Combine
Liver Diseases
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Methyldopa may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Methyldopa.
Common Methyldopa Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amifostine
Major
Methyldopa may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.
Iobenguane
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Iobenguane can be decreased when used in combination with Methyldopa.
Abacavir
Minor
Methyldopa may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Aclidinium
Minor
Methyldopa may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Methyldopa may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Methyldopa Toxicity & Overdose Risk
The lowest amount of Methyldopa that has been found to be toxic in a female is 44 gm/kg taken intermittently. For rats, the toxic amount is 5000 mg/kg and for mice it's 5300 mg/kg. If someone overdoses on Methyldopa, they may experience low blood pressure, excessive drowsiness, slow heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Treatment for Methyldopa overdose includes gastric lavage or emesis, infusions, and monitoring of blood volume, electrolyte balance, and other body functions. Medications like levarterenol, epinephrine, and
Methyldopa Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Methyldopa?
18 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the potential of Methyldopa to provide a therapeutic intervention, Hypertensive disease relief, and Hypertensive crisis management.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hypertension
0 Actively Recruiting
Therapeutic procedure
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
30 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Methyldopa Reviews: What are patients saying about Methyldopa?
5
Patient Review
10/12/2009
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
5
Patient Review
10/14/2009
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
4.7
Patient Review
6/4/2014
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
3.7
Patient Review
10/12/2009
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
3.3
Patient Review
1/25/2016
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
3
Patient Review
7/25/2018
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
2.7
Patient Review
2/5/2011
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
2
Patient Review
9/8/2011
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
2
Patient Review
5/7/2019
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
2
Patient Review
4/20/2013
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
1.7
Patient Review
3/21/2013
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
1.3
Patient Review
4/28/2010
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
1
Patient Review
11/14/2020
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
1
Patient Review
11/28/2010
Methyldopa for High Blood Pressure
Patient Q&A Section about methyldopa
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.
What is the most common side effect of methyldopa?
"upset stomach
The more common side effects of methyldopa include: drowsiness, headaches, lack of energy, and upset stomachs."
Answered by AI
Is methyldopa an alpha blocker?
"Methyldopa works by binding to alpha(α)-2 adrenergic receptors, which leads to the inhibition of adrenergic neuronal outflow and reduction of vasoconstrictor adrenergic signals."
Answered by AI
Is methyldopa a beta blocker?
"2. Over time, alpha-methyldopa will often lower the total peripheral resistance, but the decrease in cardiac output is usually small, both when resting and during exercise. The beta-blockers lower blood pressure, but also lead to a significant decrease in cardiac output and heart rate."
Answered by AI
Why methyldopa is used in pregnancy?
"Methyldopa can help lower blood pressure and prevent pre-eclampsia, which can cause problems like preterm birth, low birth weight, and serious illness for both the mother and baby."
Answered by AI